It is reasonable to project that in a mere five years, a protest like Occupy Wall Street wouldn't be possible. Here's a scenario to get your head around how things will change due to the introduction of bots (every bit of tech seen below is available and in most cases deployed already):
- Software bots monitoring CCTV footage and social media traffic (as well as GPS info from every cell phone) detect a "signature" of a protest (aka a "riot/mob" to plutocrats).
- The signature is confirmed by human analysts in a corporate facility (this capability was outsourced) located in xyz remote country getting paid (low single digits $ per hour).
- Spy drones would be dispatched to confirm data via electromagnetic sensors (including a sniff check for weapons/drugs and remote sensing of IDs).
- The "signature" of a "riot" is confirmed by software bots that pattern match it against pattern guidance from the Mayor's office (in particular, it's important to make sure that this "riot" isn't a Tea Party or pro Wall Street gathering). At that point, regulatory bots would produce the needed e-paperwork to disperse the "riot."
- Drones, both ground and air, with non-lethals would be dispatched/released. Arrival in minutes given urban launching points.
- Audio warning to protesters, "You are attempting to conduct a demonstration in violation of xyz regulation and code. Disperse immediately or face discomfort."
- 1 minute later, the drones use non-lethal but painful doses of sound/heat to force those people unwilling to leave out of the area.
NOTE: This type of automation can be very effective against black bloc and UK rioters. It can chase down and incapacitate fast moving groups of vandals.