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AI-powered crimefighting dog 'Beth' patrols Atlanta apartment complex

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Published  December 10, 2024 5:27pm EST
Atlanta
FOX 5 Atlanta

Atlanta apartment employs crime-fighting robo-dog

Beth, an software powered robotic dog with 360 cameras and a siren on her back, is patrolling 445 Cleveland, an apartment complex in Atlanta. Beth's job is to deter crime.

The Brief

    • Atlanta's 445 Cleveland apartment complex introduces 'Beth,' an AI-powered robotic dog, to enhance public safety, equipped with 360-degree cameras and monitored in real-time by an operator in Colombia.
    • Councilman Antonio Lewis emphasizes that the deployment of these robotic dogs is designed to support, not replace, police work and aims to shift public safety strategies using new technology.
    • The software for the robotic system is developed by the Atlanta-based company, Undaunted, and costs approximately a third of other AI security technologies.
    • Beth is seamlessly integrated with the apartment's security setup, including over 30 cameras, to ensure a rapid response, capable of reaching any area on the property within 60 seconds.

ATLANTA - An innovative approach to public safety is taking shape on Cleveland Avenue, where Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Lewis has partnered with the 445 Cleveland apartment complex to deploy AI-powered robotic dogs to deter crime.

Meet ‘Beth’ the robotic dog

The robotic dog, named "Beth," is equipped with 360-degree cameras, a siren, and stair-climbing capabilities. Unlike other artificial intelligence robots like "Spunky" on Boulevard, Beth is monitored in real time by a human operator located in Bogotá, Colombia.

"Our operator who is physically watching these cameras needs to deploy the dog. It’s all in one system, and they are just controlling it, like a video game at home, except it’s not a video game—it’s Beth," said Avi Wolf, the owner of 445 Cleveland.

Beth’s integration with the apartment complex’s existing security infrastructure, which includes over 30 stationary cameras, allows for rapid response. "Beth can move anywhere on the property in 60 seconds," Wolf added.

Robotic watchdog deployed in Atlanta

Councilman Antonio Lewis highlighted the technological advancement, noting its potential to complement police efforts rather than replace them. "There are multiple Beths, so you're always gonna feel like Beth is everywhere," Lewis said. "What we did before didn’t work. We cannot lock our way out of this. This is reimagining public safety, using the technology and tools that are available to us."

The robotic ecosystem supporting Beth is entirely Georgia-based, with software developed by Atlanta company Undaunted. Wolf noted that the cost of Beth’s system is approximately one-third that of other AI technologies.

Lewis expressed hope that Beth’s presence would inspire a shift in the community. "My goal is that young folks see Beth and say, ‘I want to go get a job. I can't do what I was doing,’" he said.

Residents at 445 Cleveland are optimistic about the initiative, with plans to have the robotic crime-fighting dogs fully operational by the end of the year.

The Source: FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor spoke with Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Lewis and Avi Wolf, the owner of 445 Cleveland, for his original report.

AtlantaArtificial IntelligenceNewsCrime and Public Safety