Xthings Is Making a Narc Pole (gizmodo.com)

At CES 2026, Xthings unveiled the X Tower, a novel public lamp that utilizes AI technology for surveillance and threat detection. Powered by solar energy and batteries, this device features a 360-degree camera system and radar, accompanied by “video-language AI” designed for real-time analysis of its surroundings. The AI can identify various threats such as loitering, illegal parking, aggression, and armed threats, promptly sending alerts to command centers for immediate response. The introduction of the X Tower is significant for the AI/ML community as it raises both technological ambitions and ethical concerns regarding privacy and surveillance. While enhancing public safety, the reliance on AI to interpret human actions invites scrutiny over its accuracy and potential biases. Moreover, the tower doubles as a public charging station, emphasizing its utility while hinting at societal implications of interweaving advanced surveillance with everyday public amenities. The initiative reflects a growing trend toward utilizing AI in urban management but also signals a looming debate on the balance between security and civil liberties.