Eric Adams Has Been Indicted, But His Crappy Subway Robot Will Be "Redeployed"

Hello!

Eric Adams Indicted, But NYPD Subway Robot Redeployment Moves Forward

In the wake of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ surprise corruption indictment, many of the politician’s pet tech projects may now be in limbo. One, however, appears set to continue.

In an email to Futurism following news of Adams’ federal indictment, Stacy D. Stephens, executive vice president and chief client officer at robotics firm Knightscope, confirmed that plans to return the New York Police Department’s autonomous subway robot remain on track.

From Pilot Launch to Storage

The Knightscope K5 robot was introduced in pilot mode last September at the Times Square subway station. It was withdrawn from service early this year and spent several months collecting dust in an empty storefront. The mayor publicly addressed its absence during a press conference earlier this month.

“We have it in a new assignment,” Adams stated at the early September press conference, according to amNewYork. “Once it goes through its pilot, we’re going to respond to that, but it has a new assignment right now.”

Official Confirmation of Redeployment

Although the mayor offered no further details and his spokesperson later attempted to clarify the remarks, Stephens told Futurism that redeployment is indeed scheduled.

“As the Mayor’s office previously stated,” the Knightscope spokesperson said, “they are working to redeploy the K5 at a to-be-determined location as another time-limited pilot.”

Contract Status and Next Steps

As amNY reports, the six-month contract between the NYPD and Knightscope for the K5 expired earlier this year. With limited public information available about the $12,500 robot—last observed inside a Times Square subway storefront in February—it remains unclear whether the contract has been renewed.

“Unfortunately,” the spokesperson added when asked about the contract, “I am unable to share any additional information while the redeployment location is being decided.”

Why Keep the Robot in Service?

It is still uncertain why city officials would choose to maintain the robot’s presence. The K5 cannot make arrests or communicate effectively with the public and requires several police officers for supervision.

Futurism also reached out to the city’s Office of Technology and Innovation—established by Adams at the start of his term to oversee initiatives such as this one—via phone and email. Given the developments surrounding the mayor’s office over the past 24 hours, responses may understandably be delayed.

Thank you!
Join us on social media!
See you!