A specially designed robot, reminiscent of the movie Robocop, has joined Dubai's police force and will patrol busy areas in the city. It can help identify wanted criminals and can gather evidence. 

The robotic policeman is the outcome of a government program aimed at replacing some human crime-fighters with machines. If the experiment proved to be successful, then the Dubai Police wants its patrolling force to comprise of 25 percent unarmed robots by 2030.

Ahead of hosting the Dubai Expo 2020, the government plans to use technology to provide better services and security to the visitors. The life-size robot police exhibit the colours of the Dubai Police uniform and have the ability to shake hands and perform a salute.

Brigadier Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, director general of the Smart Services Department at Dubai Police states that the advantage of robots is that they can work  24/7 and won't ask for leave, sick leave or maternity leave.

The wheels of this robotic policeman make it mobile and it is equipped with cameras and facial recognition software.The robot is capable of comparing faces with a police database and signaling matches to headquarters. 

It can read vehicle license plates and its video feed can help police watch for risks such as unattended bags in popular areas of Dubai.