China has unveiled a strange spherical police robot to chase and catch criminals using net-launching cannons.
It might sound like the stuff out of a Black Mirror episode but this is very real.
The bot is AI-powered and has the capability of autonomous operation.
It’s been named RT-G and was created by a robotics company named Logon Technology.
But how can the robot actually catch criminals?
Advert
You might think that it just records footage to gain evidence but that’s not all.
The RT-G can also assist in the pursuit of suspects and apprehend them.
They have advanced sensors and facial recognition software that is designed to monitor their environment as well as work in high risk situations.
It’s hoped that they could one day replace humans in stopping crime.
Advert
Now, the official account of Chengdu City has shared a video of the robot in action.
In the caption of the clip, it read: “China’s just rolled out a spherical police robot that can chase down criminals, shoot nets, and even handle falls from heights! It moves at speeds up to 35 km/h — talk about a futuristic crime fighter.”
The police bots are so advanced that they can move seamlessly from land to water and are meant to be able to withstand up to four tonnes of damage.
This has been implied to make it extremely resistant to any attempts to destroy it.
Advert
It has some pretty cool features too.
The bot comes equipped with things like a net gun, tear gas sprayers and a sound wave dispersal device.
The footage has certainly caused a stir online, with many people taking to social media to share their reactions to it.
Advert
On Reddit, one user shared the video and others commented with their thoughts.
One person wrote: “Nice robot, wrong application. Too many stairs in the human world.”
Another said: “Babe wake up, they made robots from Oblivion.”
A third user joked: “Good to see humanity is still trying to wipe itself out.”
Advert
A fourth commented: “Head first into dystopian cyberpunk future.”
And a fifth person shared their criticism, adding: “The net it deploys seems made out of string and not rope or wire so it doesn't have any weight to it and won't stop anyone.
“Knowing you're going up against one of these things, you're not going to use a bat made of breakable wood, you're using a high caliber weapon or even a shotgun with deer slugs or something with penetration and are aiming for the sides, not its wheels.”