Police robots aren't autonomous. They can't think for themselves or make decisions -- a police officer controls every move remotely. Depending on the model, the robot may be wireless or may have a cable tethering it to a control station.

Robot command and control centers are portable, allowing officers to set up a station a safe distance away from where the robot will carry out its duties. Normally, an officer operates the robot within sight of it so that it's easier to maneuver it across difficult terrain or around obstacles.

The Taser International corporation announced that it has teamed up with the iRobot Corporation to produce a new line of robots capable, where non-lethal force is required to subdue an opponent, of delivering a shock charge to people.