Robot Police Officer Begins Patrolling Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk.

His name is Murphy and he's a cop. He started out on the streets of Detroit where he dispensed justice to those who violated the law. Recently, he was a acquired by the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department. Now he has a new beat, as he patrols the boardwalk, ensuring that order is maintained for the good citizens who have come to enjoy the beach. You may have already seen Murphy; he is kind of hard to miss. That's because Point Beach's newest police officer is a robot.

Officer Anne Lewis has been assigned as Murphy's partner. During this trial period for the robot, Officer Lewis stays nearby to ensure that there are no problems when Murphy interacts with people. "We've only had a few glitches," said Officer Lewis. "For example, when he got here from Detroit he kept saying 'dead or alive, you're coming with me!' That's not really a great way to greet visitors to the boardwalk, so we had to reprogram that. Now he says, 'Between 3 and 5, your pizza is free!' Then a coupon pops out of him for a free slice."

Murphy uses AI (artificial intelligence) to allow him to navigate the boardwalk and to respond to different situations. His primary function is as a roving camera to alert human officers of any problems, but he is capable of taking more action. "Murphy is equipped with a robotic arm that allows him to grab a suspect and hold them until help arrives. He recently caught an illegal vendor of super soaker water pistols named Clarence Boddicker. Murphy warned him  that he should, 'Come quietly or there will be... trouble!' Of course, Boddicker blamed some guy named Dick Jones and tried to run, but Murphy held him until I got there."

Officer Lewis says that one of Murphy's most important jobs is to be a friendly ambassador for the police. "He's actually very good at acting friendly," said Lewis. "The other day I overslept and barely had time to brush my hair. When I saw him I said, 'Murphy... I'm a mess.' Then a coupon popped out of him for a hair salon and he says, 'They'll fix you. They fix everything.' He's really a smart robot and the hair salon was great!"

Murphy will be able to patrol almost constantly. When his power runs low, he automatically goes to his recharge station. Once he docks, he is able to replace one of his circular, donut shaped batteries with a fully charged one. So the only time Murphy isn't on the job is when he takes a donut break. 

Officer Murphy has already made a friend. Octogenarian Arthur Kreep likes to sit on the boardwalk with his chess board, looking for anyone to challenge him. Luckily, Murphy is programmed to play chess. When the boardwalk isn't busy, Murphy often challenges Arthur to a quick game. If you pass by, you might hear Murphy say, "Your move, Kreep," which always makes Arthur smile. "He's a good chess player. I haven't beaten him yet, but it's a great challenge. Plus he gives me coupons for free pizza." said Arthur.

Officer Lewis expects that Murphy will be ready to patrol on his own when the summer season begins. "Every day his interactions with people are getting better. Children are especially fascinated with him and he does a great job of responding to them. He' always reminds them to 'stay out of trouble.' Just the other day I watched a little boy about 3 years old approach Murphy. The kid was amazed when Murphy talked to him. Then the boy's dad asked what he thought about the robot and the little kid said, 'I'd buy that for a dollar.' It was adorable!"

Of course, Murphy cost Point Beach a lot more than a dollar, but Officer Lewis thinks he was a good investment. "I'm sure by the end of the summer everyone will love Murphy as much as that little boy."