Singaporean robot gently scolds park-goers into COVID compliance

An O-R3 robot patrols Bedok Reservoir Park in a photo dated last May. Photo: PUB/Facebook
An O-R3 robot patrols Bedok Reservoir Park in a photo dated last May. Photo: PUB/Facebook

The rise of the machines has stepped, or rolled, one step closer with the arrival of an autonomous robot very politely ordering all humans to respect social distancing measures in Singapore.

A self-driving, autonomous vehicle was spotted patrolling the Bedok Reservoir park admonishing anyone who could hear it to comply with stricter measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus which has stricken more than 14,000 people as of this morning.

“To curb the spread of COVID-19, gatherings at this park are not allowed. Please practice safe distancing at all times and do not loiter at this park. Stay safe, stay home,” the talking machine can be heard repeating in a Reuters video.

Known as O-R3, the robot was created by Otsaw, a robotics company with offices in Singapore and California. The autonomous security unit was originally acquired a year ago by the PUB water agency to survey plants and reservoirs. 

 

The outdoor security robot is equipped with facial recognition sensors and a 360-degree, high-definition camera that captures and records its surroundings.

Park-goers can report any suspicious activity through the robot which will contact the police for assistance in real-time.

Until it decides the world would be better off without humans, the soft-spoken bot is, for now, doing its part to keep us alive and healthy.

Update: The quote in this story has been updated. 

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