Kerala Police is set to deploy indigenously developed robots for traffic management, disaster response, and rescue operations, State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced on Friday, 9 October while inaugurating the 19th COCON Security and Hacking Conference in Kochi. The state government also confirmed plans to strengthen its Cyberdome unit to counter rapidly evolving cyber threats.

The Robots: Daksha, Kavach, and Tara

Kerala Police, in collaboration with iHub Robotics, has developed three robotic systems with distinct operational roles. Daksha is designed specifically for traffic management, aiming to reduce the physical burden on officers stationed for long hours in harsh weather conditions. Kavach is built to assist rescue teams navigating difficult terrain and to deliver essential supplies during emergencies. Tara serves as a multilingual information and visitor guidance system.

Together, the three platforms cover traffic control, disaster management, rescue operations, and industrial automation — a broad operational mandate that reflects the state's ambition to modernise frontline policing.

What the Minister Said on Cybersecurity

Chennithala underscored the urgency of addressing digital threats, warning that cyberattacks were intensifying alongside technological growth. 'The theft of personal data and financial fraud pose serious threats to individuals and institutions. Critical infrastructure, including power plants, hospitals and financial institutions, also needs better protection. Military information and government records must be secured,' he said.

He further noted that 'the growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare, politics and governance has created new cybersecurity challenges,' stressing the need to protect data and personal privacy. Cybersecurity measures, he added, must be both lawful and responsible.

Cyberdome Expansion and Training Plans

The state government has committed to training more personnel in cybersecurity disciplines and improving public awareness about online threats. Chennithala emphasised that international cooperation and public-private partnerships were essential to effectively combat cybercrime. He called on the government, police, researchers, and technology companies to work in concert to meet these challenges.

Notably, COCON — organised by Kerala Police — has grown into a prominent platform for exchanging cybersecurity knowledge, attracting participation from industry and international stakeholders. This is the conference's 19th edition, underscoring the long-standing commitment of the state police to the cybersecurity discourse.

Key Officials at the Conference

The conference was attended by Deputy National Security Adviser T.V. Ravichandran, Challa Srinivasulu Setty, and Directors General of Police Ravada Chandrasekhar and Manoj Abraham. The high-level attendance signals the national significance attached to Kerala's cybersecurity and technology policing initiatives.

With robots now entering operational planning and Cyberdome expansion on the agenda, Kerala's policing framework is entering a new phase — one that will be closely watched by other states considering similar technology-led deployments.