Robocop goes rogue: Police patrol robot destroys 20 flowerpots in Goyang after crashing into table

An autonomous patrol robot destroyed about 20 flowerpots after it crashed into a table near Hwajeong Station in Goyang, Gyeonggi, earlier this week, police said Wednesday.

The robot reportedly failed to recognize the lower part of the folding table as an obstacle and crashed into it during its operation on Monday. The collision sent about 20 flowerpots on the table tumbling to the ground, where they shattered. Footage and photos of the scene later circulated online.

The city of Goyang had installed the table and flowerpots in the plaza as part of a campaign to promote the consumption of flowers and agricultural products.

Police plan to cover the cost of the damaged flowerpots and other property through insurance.

The robot is an AI-powered autonomous patrol robot that Goyang Police Station introduced earlier this year to strengthen policing in areas outside the reach of closed-circuit television cameras.

The robot patrols designated areas and records video of its surroundings. The footage is shared with Goyang Police Station’s 112 emergency monitoring room.

The accident may renew debate over whether obstacle-detection technology is robust enough for autonomous robots to safely patrol real-world public spaces.

BY JEONG JAE-HONG [[email protected]]