A new Robotcop, our first locally made animated robot, has joined the Police to raise kids' crime prevention awareness.

Jointly developed by the Police and the University of Science & Technology, this third generation Robotcop employs advanced computer, electronics, mechanics and digital imaging technologies.

At a ceremony today, the university's Vice-President for Research & Development Professor Roland Chin and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Sidney Chau introduced the new crime fighter.

In contrast to its US-made predecessors, the new Robotcop possesses major technical enhancements and a longer lifespan.

Futuristic enforcer: Applied Technology Centre Director Dr David Young says the new locally made Robotcop showcases Hong Kong's technological prowess. Its look is a merger of four winning designs of a competition organised by the Junior Police Call. It possesses major technical enhancements and a longer lifespan than its US-made predecessors.

Robotcop highlights Hong Kong's scientific achievements

Speaking to news.gov.hk, Applied Technology Centre Director Dr David Young said Police needed to send its previous Robotcops back to the US for maintenance.

The new Robotcop shows Hong Kong's technology has attained international standards.

"We wish to let our youngsters know that scientists in Hong Kong also have great development," he said.

The new Robotcop is capable of moving his arms, tilting his head, walking, dancing, moving in any direction and detecting obstacles.

New design employs advanced technology

With a camera and LCD monitor on board, he can capture images on site and display promotional videos.

With up to six hours of battery power, he is also capable of interacting with an audience by answering questions in Cantonese and English.

Its new look differs greatly to the old models - a merger of the four winning designs of a competition organised by the Junior Police Call.

Lai Ka-yee, aged 17, is one of the winners. She said her policeman father drew a lot of Police pictures which inspired her design.

Another winner, Tseng Chun-hung, 19, told news.gov.hk that one of the special features of his design is that Robotcop now looks more sturdy and powerful.

Robotcop to visit schools and exhibitions

Robotcop III will visit kindergartens, schools, exhibitions and fairs to offer crime awareness tips and talk face-to-face with children aged 4 to 11.

The first and second generation Robotcops were introduced in 1988 and 1995, respectively. To date, Robotcop has taught more than 800,000 children.