A sight previously thought to be science fiction is very real at a southeast Kansas City shopping center. Instead of a police officer, a security robot has been patrolling sidewalks and shoppers are taking notice.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19944734

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A sight previously thought to be science fiction is very real at a southeast Kansas City shopping center. Instead of a police officer, a security robot has been patrolling sidewalks and shoppers are taking notice.

Since Marshall the robot has been on the job, shoppers say the experiences have completely changed when they come to these stores. The robot can spend 23 hours a day monitoring the parking lot from all angles which gives people a new sense of protection and ease they don’t always have when out.

Marshall took over security at Brywood Centre in April. Before that, Karen White noticed a lot of trouble outside the shopping center.

“Sometimes it’d be concerning for your car like someone could take it or something,” White said.

Knowing now that Marshall is always watching, the risk of crime does not worry her or others as much.

“It made it very better, like you can’t be in the parking lot without seeing the robot,” White continued. “So, I think it scared them off.”

    • octopus_inkEnglish
      211·
      2 months ago

      On the one hand, yes, on the other hand, it’s unlikely to brutalize or kill people for minor offenses, so maybe a win for a public space?

      • EherNicht@feddit.orgEnglish
        101·
        2 months ago

        I don’t know about you but I don’t like to be watched by big brother all the time.

        • octopus_inkEnglish
          6·
          2 months ago

          Right there with you, but there’s no legal expectation of privacy in public, so it’s futile to complain about on that basis. Especially when ring doorbell cams are everywhere already. So the silver lining is a security robot won’t do this.

          • ReversalHatchery@beehaw.orgEnglish
            2·
            2 months ago

            maybe no legal expectation, however I ask you when were you or any other common person asked about legal expectations. don’t come with “everyone at election”, because everyone knows its not true, in any sense

            • octopus_inkEnglish
              4·
              2 months ago

              Dude, we’re on the same side in this, I just know what some battles have already been lost.

              • ReversalHatchery@beehaw.orgEnglish
                2·
                2 months ago

                i understand, and sorry if I offended you. my problem was you were referring to a legal expectation as if that should be everyone’s personal expectation

                • octopus_inkEnglish
                  2·
                  2 months ago

                  Not offended, just seemed like you thought I was excusing it. I’m not - just acknowledging it. 🙂

      • nocturne@sopuli.xyz
        7·
        2 months ago

        Unlikely, but there is still a chance. It could always call its pig cousins to brutalize or kill you on its behalf.