Security Robots

Security Robots: An Asset To The Urban Security Crunch?

The challenge of urban security has long been beholden to the continuous events that occur in urban areas, thus making it an essential aspect to consider when deciding where to live and work for most individuals. Despite the fact that leisure activities, population trends, mobility, and technological innovations are in constant flux, these elements are in charge of shaping the security of various demographic groups depending on their requirements. Industrial robots are increasingly being used in security applications, such as patrolling warehouses and monitoring restricted areas. Thus, systematic risk management has been regarded as a critical tool for attaining a desired level of security in cities and communities and ensuring a high quality of life.

However, many times in several neighborhoods, it has been found that manpower to maintain law and order falls short. Due to this drawback, many authorities are looking to invest in security robots to ensure the safety of citizens and take over the dangerous and mundane activities usually entrusted to their human counterparts. 

The thought of using robots as security guards has been out for quite some time. However, they have only recently become viable alternatives to humans. The emergence of computer vision, robotics and machine learning  is transforming the security management model in many industries. Robots are viewed as more than just a collection of sensors and algorithms. Costs are estimated to drop as the usage of security robots grows and their capabilities improve. Security robots are seeing a steady incorporation as extensions of smart buildings and organizations.

For instance, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., recently received an order for ten units of its popular ROSA (Responsive Observation Security Agent) security gadget from authorized distributor Vista Security Group, Inc. (VSG). RAD confirmed that the client for these 10 ROSA installations operates a large facility in an urban location beset by recent incidences of theft and vandalism, despite existing non-disclosure agreements. ROSA has earned a lot of praise for its capacity to detect and dissuade circumstances that can lead to expensive and deadly criminal behavior.

What are Safety Robots?

Security robots can navigate the patrol route autonomously, identifying strangers and corresponding with the guard. The robots themselves can easily detect any trespassers, leading to the security guard merely being a deterrent. Mobile KPIs such as uptime, response time, and battery life are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of security robots. Even though these bots are often promoted as human security guard backups on patrol, they capture substantially more data than people could, implying that they are more akin to mobile surveillance machines than conventional guards.

While many still argue that human security guards can provide better protection, security robots are slowly demonstrating several advantages. Robotic systems can create models of normalcy, detect anomalies, and operate in real-time to prevent, detect, and respond to events. Robots will advance with time thanks to advanced machine learning algorithms. They can, for example, undertake a variety of learning activities as part of client onboarding, such as altering patrols based on previous interactions and time of day, learning to distinguish between posters on a wall or real people, and hunting for anomalies based on self-created thermal signature maps. As a result, it will be just a question of time before more useful applications for security robots emerge as demand evolves.

Man vs. Machine: Who Does It Better?

Security robots being introduced these days are being outfitted with tools that can allow them to protect and serve any community in which they are deployed. Security robots can be integrated with home networks to provide enhanced security and monitoring. This development is greatly credited to the technological advancements made, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Although these robots may currently lack the judgment and physical appearance of a real cop, they are more than capable of providing adequate security. 

Businesses are recognizing possibilities to streamline security operations, maximize workforce, and automate processes to better satisfy increasing security and facility monitoring needs. Since security is such a critical threat, many businesses want to add security robots to their armory to ensure their security team has ideal security and surveillance options. IoT in eCommerce can enable the deployment of security robots to monitor and protect warehouses, fulfillment centers, and retail stores. Recently, Ava Robotics, a creator of robots for workplace applications, has been picked by Johnson Controls to deploy its new Tyco Security Robot for patrols in the facilities it oversees.

This robot is designed to bring video surveillance, access control, and security robotics together for a more comprehensive and efficient solution, taking a unified approach to solving existing and emerging challenges within the workplace, including specific and evolving building and facility security needs. 

The Final Take

The advent of robots in the field of security has been one important development in the security business that combines the greatest attributes and talents of humans and machines to maximize the benefits of both. Society will take a while to realize the full potential of security robots, including the specific issues only they can address, as was observed in other new technology. Security robots will offer a unique prospect for security professionals to improve security programs by employing machine learning technology that will continue to grow to deliver more functionality and value.