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!