The first locally made animated robot of its kind in Hong Kong, Robotcop III has been jointly designed and produced by the Applied Technology Centre of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Crime Prevention Bureau.

Unlike its US-made predecessors, Robotcop III possesses major technical enhancements and a longer lifespan. He also employs advanced computer, electronics, mechanics and digital imaging technologies.

Prof Roland Chin, Vice-President for Research and Development of HKUST handed over the new Robotcop to Director of Crime and Security, Mr Chau Foo-cheong, at a ceremony held at the university on March 2.

Robotcop III will visit kindergartens, schools, exhibitions and fairs to offer crime awareness tips, and will talk face-to-face with children aged four to 11, teaching them about crime prevention. The concepts he will highlight include civic responsibility, personal safety and the ills of shoplifting.

Robotcop III is capable of moving his arms, tilting his head, walking, dancing, moving in any direction and detecting obstacles. 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 posed in Chinese and English.

The First and Second Generation Robotcops were introduced in 1988 and 1995 respectively. To date, more than 800,000 children have met with Robotcop III's older "brothers".

The HKUST has presented certificates to four JPC members in recognition of their contributions to the design of Robotcop III

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