When someone mentions robot traffic cops, it is easy to immediately think about sci-fi movies. This is not the case, however, in Kinshasa, Congo, where robot traffic cops are being used to manage the heavy traffic in the city.
Created by Thérèse Izay Kirongozi and her team from Women's Technology (Wotech), these robot traffic cops are solar-powered and made of aluminium. At 8 feet tall, they tower over all the cars and motorcycles making their way down the crowded roads. The "hands" of the robot traffic cops have red and green lights to regulate traffic flow, and on its revolving torso is a traffic camera, which transmits the traffic footage to the police station in real time.
These robots cost $27,500 dollars to make and are being accepted by both the police and the citizens. The robot traffic cops have been quite successful in bringing order to busy traffic intersections in Kinshasa.
Robotic Traffic Cops
The Busy Streets of Congo Have Employed Towering Robots to Instill Control
Trend Themes
1. Robot Traffic Control - The trend of using advanced technology like robots in traffic control system can be an innovation opportunity disrupting traditional traffic management.
2. Solar-powered Robots - The trend of using solar-powered robots as an alternative power source can be an innovation opportunity disrupting the traditional energy sector.
3. Real-time Traffic Monitoring - The trend of using robots to monitor traffic in real-time using cameras can be an innovation opportunity disrupting traditional traffic surveillance practices.
Industry Implications
1. Law Enforcement and Security - The use of robotic law enforcement tools like traffic controlling devices have the potential to disrupt traditional police services.
2. Renewable Energy - The solar-powered robots used in traffic management open up new opportunites to disrupt traditional power generation and distribution practices.
3. Transportation and Logistics - The use of real-time traffic monitoring robots can be an innovation opportunity in disrupting traditional traffic management systems in transportation and logistics.