Dublin, Ohio is stepping into a new era of public safety with Dubbot, an autonomous security robot developed by Knightscope. This AI-powered assistant is set to bolster city patrols, complementing the hard work of local officers from summer 2025.
The community got involved right from the start. Residents weighed in on a name for the robot—choosing from Bridge Walker, Dublin Defender, and the winning option, Dubbot—which reflects the city’s spirit and local pride.
Designed with cutting‑edge features, the K5 Autonomous Security Robot comes equipped with light detection and ranging (LiDAR), sonar, GPS, and a microphone. Its 360‑degree cameras provide live video feeds to control rooms, ensuring prompt two‑way communication and enabling instant emergency alerts. Despite a top speed of 3 mph and weighing 420 pounds, Dubbot is built to operate reliably in all weather conditions.
The Dublin Police Department emphasises that Dubbot isn’t meant to replace human officers but to complement existing efforts. It is part of a broader strategy, alongside drones, body‑worn cameras, and traffic monitoring tools, aimed at enhancing safety during a two‑year trial period. If you’ve ever wished for a little extra reassurance on your evening walk, Dubbot offers just that—a modern, high‑tech guardian on the streets.
By embracing technology like Dubbot, Dublin is paving the way for a smart‑city model where innovative tools work hand in hand with traditional methods to create a safer, more connected community.
