A hi-tech display of humanoid robots and robotic dogs by Indonesian police has drawn criticism for their desire to project a tech-savvy image and not focusing on tackling broader problems, ranging from a “culture of impunity” to reform inertia.
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At the national police’s 79th anniversary parade on July 1 in Jakarta, the force unveiled 25 new machines – including RoboCop-style robots, robot tanks and robodogs – in the presence of Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto.
Their spokesman, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, said the move reflected the force’s commitment to keep up with global policing trends.
“The police are an institution that adapts to change,” Sandi said in a June 30 statement. “By 2030, police in several countries will [use] robots. We are also learning from other countries.”
These robots, which have to be controlled remotely, will be used for search and rescue efforts in disaster zones or a fire, defusing explosives, hostage situations, collecting forensic evidence, such as fingerprints and DNA samples, monitoring traffic violations, and others. The robodogs can also assist the K9 police teams in detecting illicit materials and substances.
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The robots were made by China’s Unitree Robotics and Deep Robotics, with prices ranging between US$2,700 and US$16,000.