New lampposts designed by Illuminating Concepts, and being rolled out in Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburgh can see, hear and talk to passers-by, and represent a new type of state-surveillance in the United States.

Inspired by the 9/11 terror attacks and Hurricane Katrina, each lamppost has a microprocessor “essentially similar to an iPhone,” capable of wireless communication. The lampposts can capture images, count people for the police through a digital camera, record conversations of passers-by and even give voice commands thanks to a built-in speaker.

As well as the 'homeland security applications' Illuminating Concepts' new lamppost is also energy-efficient, long-lasting, complete with LED screens to show ads.