Robots Protect and Serve the Public

Robots Protect and Serve the Public

While all the Star Wars fans are waiting for Episode VII – The Force Awakens to be released in December 2015, a shopping center is embracing security with the use of sci-fi-like, crime-fighting robots. Standing at 5 feet tall and weighing in at 300 pounds, the Knightscope K5s, a product of the company Mountain View, act as roaming security guards at Palo Alto’s Stanford Shopping Center and all across Silicon Valley for that matter as part of a pilot program.

The shiny white, bullet-shaped machines gather real-time data using sensors and public data from businesses, government and social media feeds. The data is processed through a predictive analytics engine and if the robot senses a concern or threat in their patrolling area, a real-time alert is sent to authorities.

These unarmed machines operate within a predefined area, but just their size and appearance is enough to make people think twice about doing harm or malice, or committing a crime.

Each robot operates on lithium ion batteries and is equipped with the following features:

  • Built-in emergency intercom;
  • Proximity sensors;
  • GPS locator,
  • LPR sensors;
  • Thermal imaging;
  • Night-vision cameras;
  • 360-degree video;
  • Audio-recording capabilities; and
  • Broadcast capabilities.

When the robot senses its battery getting low, it will return itself to a charging station to recharge.

These humanoids are not meant to replace human security guards, but to enhance security by assisting offers and improving response times.

People have taken to these futuristic machines offering protection, safety and security. Perhaps it’s because they look similar to R2-D2, but whatever the reason, people find them approachable and friendly-looking, not afraid to interact with them or even give them a hug!

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.