Robotic cop cars could be on the way, says Ford

Automatic number plate recognition, CCTV cameras and speed traps are the current high-tech policing methods of choice. But the future could be rather more robotic and scary, if Ford gets its way.

The American car manufacturer has submitted a patent application for a real-life Robocop – an autonomous police vehicle. According to the patent, the vehicle would be equipped with artificial intelligence to help it find the best hiding place from which to catch rule-breakers. It would hide itself behind a tree or bush, all the while receiving tip-offs from surveillance cameras or roadside sensors.