United States: “sentry robotics” will monitor prisoners in Georgia prison

The American media prefers to call these robots “jailbots”. These robots aren’t human-shaped or even robots designed to look like humans. They don’t have the same design as those that Elon Musk presented in October. The sheriff for Cobb County presented them in October 2024. They look like a Star Wars Droid, or the robots that guide travelers in airports. But they are much larger and taller. Around 1.8 meters. And all black.

The robots are equipped with the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, 360° cameras, heat detection, and night vision. The robots speak basic words. Three “Jail Bots”, which are being tested at the Cobb County Jail, move independently through the jail corridors. An operator can control them remotely.

“A major change”, according to the sheriff…

As their name suggests, for now they are there to provide surveillance. The robots patrol the prison and provide continuous surveillance at a safe distance from inmates. The “Jail Bots”, with their artificial intelligence, can detect abnormalities, such as a health issue in a prisoner, and alert the guards. Craig Owens is confident that technology will allow him and his staff to work more efficiently.

Robots are a big hit with the sheriff. The technology is free for 90 days during the pilot program. A final update will be provided at the conclusion of the pilot program. It is referred to as ” a game changer” and ” a major change“, by him. It’s a way to work that is both safer and more efficient. A robot does not get sick nor take vacations, he says. After a quick recharge, it is back on the hallways. The dream of every manager. His view is that it’s the same as history. It’s time to move on and stop trying to keep up with robotic advances.

.. A bad sign, says an NGO

DEKA is a firm which builds robots. The boss of DEKA hopes the technology is soon to become essential, as other versions “Sentry”, which patrol Atlanta’s biggest metropolis, will be deployed.

An NGO says that this is a good sign.

The WABE website interviewed the Director of the Center for Human Rights NGO, who did not think that this was a good sign. She believes that it is not a good solution for the staff shortage in American prisons. She also asks what will happen to the pictures taken by the robot cameras. Who has access to the images and where are they kept?

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