ST. LOUIS — A new security device is up and running in downtown St. Louis aiming to make the area cleaner and safer.
On Thursday, the unique device was installed near the Convention Center on Washington Avenue as one organization is thinking outside of the box, tackling certain problems with technology.
A company called Robotic Assistance Devices created a system called ROSA, which stands for responsive observation security apparatus. It has two cameras, a microphone and a big screen with 180 degree field of view.
ROSA is AI-driven to include human and car detection and license plate recognition. It can also display digital signage and share audio messages, as well. It is meant to curb high nuisance activity, including loitering and panhandling.
The CEO Steven Reinharz said during the day, ROSA will share positive messages.
"At night time, we could be issuing verbal and visual instructions about city ordinances that should be enforced at that time related to illegal loitering, illegal aggressive panhandling, those types of nuisance issues," Reinharz added.
He explained it will be operated by the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District, also known as CID.
The Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District Executive Director, Kelli McCrary, told 5 On Your Side, "Our primary role is to support law enforcement, so that they can go and manage those emergency level concerns and we'll take care of those nuisance quality of life matters within our role."
CID will use its own dollars to pay the $750 rent per month.
"We are using AI in this robotic feature to be able to have that same type of intervention," McCrary added.
"I believe these unique tools will help and hopefully, this pilot program will demonstrate success that we can share with others," McCrary shared.
The pilot program is set to run for 60 days and from there, those results will be given to other business owners. The project is expected to grow.
McCrary said some business owners are interested in installing a ROSA near their own business.
Reinharz said these ROSAs are in other cities, including Cleveland, and he claims it's been a positive response with expansion underway.