The New Berlin Police Department recently took to social media to reflect on ARES, a talking police robot introduced in 1984 to help teach safety lessons to local youth. According to the New Berlin Police Department's Post, the robot was funded in part by a $15,000 donation from the New Berlin Rotary Club and represented an early effort at community-focused policing.
While a police robot may seem unremarkable by today’s standards, ARES was considered innovative at the time. In a #ThrowbackThursday post, the New Berlin Police Department recalled the robot’s 1984 debut, when it was introduced to provide safety instruction to local youth. The department noted that ARES helped engage young residents by combining educational messaging with emerging technology.
While the concept of using technology to support community service is not new, ARES was considered ahead of its time. The talking robot introduced an early form of digital engagement in police-led education, highlighting how rapidly technology has evolved since its debut.
