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We have documented multiple use cases for robots on this website already. Some of these projects make a lot more sense than others. The San Francisco SPCA has embarked on a rather unique endeavor, even though it remains to be seen how the general public will respond. Using security robots to deter homeless people from forming camps is an interesting albeit delicate venture.
ENDING HOMELESSNESS IN SF
Like most other major cities around the world, San Francisco is dealing with a growing number of homeless individuals. In most cases, none of these individuals chose to live on the streets, but fate has dealt them a cruel hand. It is only normal to see them band together in communities to help one another out. Unfortunately, the side effect has been the creation of so-called tent cities, which have been a thorn in the side of San Francisco officials.
Using crime-fighting robots in this situation may or may not be a smart decision. After all, interacting with homeless people requires a personal touch, which no robot can ever provide adequately. For now, these robots patrol the area surrounding the San Francisco SPCA to ensure no groups of people make the location their temporary residence.
As one would expect, the opinions regarding this “experiment” are pretty much all over the place. Some people feel it is a very smart move, whereas others consider this to be an inhumane way of dealing with less-fortunate people. Although the robots can’t harm people in any way, their presence is considered rather hostile. Then again, they are designed to deter crime, and in this case, deterring homeless people from setting up camps. These machines were never intended to be cuddly and friendly.
https://themerkle.com/san-francisco-organization-deploys-robots-to-deter-homeless-from-congregating/