Meet ‘Spark’, Old Fourth Ward’s newest security robot

ATLANTA – Artificial intelligence is taking another step forward in crime prevention with the deployment of “Sparky,” a fifth-generation autonomous security robot now patrolling two apartment complexes on the Boulevard in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. The area, historically challenged by crime, is embracing this high-tech addition to its security measures.

Residents have expressed positive reactions to the robot patrol. Gloria Swanson, a resident, said, “I like it. I haven’t seen any crime since they got it.”

The robot was developed by Knightscope, a California-based robotics company co-founded by former police officer Stacy Stephens, and operates completely independently. “The robot is actually fully automatic, which means there is no one behind it with a remote control. It navigates around on its own,” Stephens explains.

Equipped with advanced sensors, Sparky detects and reports unusual activity. “It looks for anomalies using a number of sensors, and when it detects anything unusual it will report it back to an operations center or police station,” Stephens added.

The robot is 6 feet tall and weighs 400 pounds and records its surroundings at all times, but Stephens emphasizes that it is not a substitute for human safety. “The robot is not a one-to-one replacement for a human. It is an extension,” he said.

While some residents praise Sparky, others express concerns. “I think it’s amazing, but in a way it’s causing people to lose their jobs because there’s no real security needed,” said Michael Williams, another resident.

Knightscope has deployed more than 10,000 devices across the country and Stephens says the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “They tell us that crime has dropped dramatically in the locations where they are deployed,” he said.

In addition to his surveillance capabilities, Sparky can also talk, adding a human touch to his high-tech presence. For now, Sparky is attracting attention and optimism as he roams the Old Fourth Ward, offering a new approach to neighborhood safety.