Tunisia has deployed police robots in the capital, Tunis, to make sure that a lockdown in the city is adhered to. The robot approaches anyone it spies on the largely deserted streets to question them on their reasons for being out.

Those who are stopped are required to produce their identity, and other documents, for the robot’s camera, so officers controlling it can check them.

Tunisia is in its second week of a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus. The North African nation currently has 436 people being treated for Covid-19, which has killed 14 people. Like in South Africa, people are allowed outside only for medical reasons or to purchase essentials.

The robots, called P-Guards are built in Tunisia by Enova Robotics. It is unclear how many have been deployed by the interior ministry, which had posted a video on Facebook about its futuristic mission in imposing the restrictions, soon after Tunisia’s lockdown began.

Remotely controlled, the robots have a thermal-imaging camera and use light detection technology.

Several videos have since appeared on social media showing people being stopped by a P-Guard. In one a man, explains that he is out to buy cigarettes.

The robot replies: “OK buy your tobacco, but be quick and go home.”

Chief sales officer Radouhane Ben Farhat says Enova has also produced a “healthcare” robot, which is soon to be employed at a hospital in Tunis. Farhat says that this would help minimise physical contact between medics and patients with Covid-19.

Umm Muhammed Umar