Houston Hospital Unveils Security Robot

The largest hospital in Houston, Texas is increasing security with the addition of two security robots.

• By Sydny Shepard
• Dec 06, 2018

In a move that has not yet been seen in a United States hospital, Houston Methodist has unveiled, not one, but two security robots that will help to patrol the inside of the expansive hospital campus. The robots will be used to supplement the security team helping to keep staff and patients safe.

The robots, affectionately named "Holmes" and "Watson," are the first of their kind in the medical center and in the nation to patrol inside of a hospital. Their 360-degree video compatibilities and thermal cameras gives the hospital security team a better look at the areas that they patrol. The robots also have a two-way audio system that allows communication between officers. 

"Methodist is the largest hospital in Houston, so safety is very important to us." Hadji Sarr, the hospital's Director of Public Safety said. "That's our number one priority for both visitors, patients and everybody."

In addition to the audio and video features, the security robots also don an emergency button that anyone can press to get into contact with security personnel. 

While these robots will not replace any human security officers, Houston Methodist Security Manager Robert Gomez said they are just another one of the "arsenal things to put in our bags, our toolbox of security items that we have."