The World's First RoboCop.

• Position: THE BIG PICTURE - Brief article

Robocops aren't just a Hollywood fantasy anymore: The world's first police patrol robot recently hit the streets of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. It moves using motion sensors (much like a driverless car), speaks in nine languages, and can shake your hand. Out on patrol, it scans faces, automatically comparing them against a police database using facial recognition software, and alerts human officers if it spots a wanted criminal. It also reads license plates and looks out for anything suspicious--like unattended bags--by livestreaming video directly to a police center. If this unarmed prototype proves a success, Dubai...