Robots are rapidly entering the security ranks in the US.

From New York to Hawaii in the US, people can spot sensor-equipped security robots patrolling around some residential communities and apartment buildings.

Proving their reliable security capabilities is difficult due to a lack of public data, but experts and manufacturers say their real strength lies in working with security officials using advanced technology.

Knightscope, founded in 2013, deployed its first security robots in the US in 2016. Photo: Knightscope

What can security robots do?

Security robots possess a range of tools that humans do not have, which makes them unique partners for security systems: 360° high-definition photo and video capture; License plate recognition; Signal detection for mobile devices; Motion and physical object detection in front of the robot and collision avoidance, and many other security features.

Security robots can excel 24/7 at repetitive aspects of the job, like sitting at a station or following a fixed route.

The K5 security robot is the most famous product of California-based security and robotics company Knightscope. According to Knightscope co-founder Stacy Stephens, these robots are not equipped with any lethal weapons.

Knightscope isn’t the only maker of security robots, either. AI and robotics company Cobalt AI makes a security robot that patrols hallways, office spaces, and indoor facilities. The device has a built-in display, allowing for direct human-to-human interaction, as well as remote communication between security personnel and people.

Advanced robotics company Boston Dynamics produces a line of robots called “Spot,” which are used by police departments, manufacturers, and construction companies. Spot’s primary goals include detecting dangerous gases like carbon monoxide and navigating hazardous environments that are unsafe for humans.

Where can security robots be found?

Security robots are roaming the streets of some Atlanta and San Diego, among other U.S. cities. Their presence is expanding into police departments, where they are being integrated into law enforcement operations.

In 2023, New York Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Police Department launched the Knightscope K5 to patrol Times Square and the city's subway system while accompanied by a police officer.

New York Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at Times Square subway station about the Knightscope K5 autonomous security robot. Photo: NY Daily News

Earlier this year, Massachusetts state police deployed the four-legged Boston Dynamics Spot robot during a seven-hour standoff with a suspect in Boston. The robot was hit by a bullet while trying to locate the gunman.

Three K5 robots were deployed in San Diego earlier this year. One robot is monitoring the grounds of an apartment community in Claremont, where it operates 24/7 to ensure resident safety and prevent car theft.

Earlier this month, an apartment building in Atlanta deployed a K5 security robot. It roams the sidewalks outside the building to monitor and protect residents.

Robots cannot replace humans and the risks

John Hassard, security expert at Robson Forensic, said the biggest strength of security robots is their ability to complement existing security infrastructure and surveillance systems. Knightscope's robots, for example, are designed to work with existing security infrastructure and surveillance systems.

Knightscope provides security software that allows the robot to issue an alert when an anomaly is detected. Depending on the situation and the sensor used to detect the incident, the alert will be sent to the security system or department where the robot is deployed and request security to investigate the incident.

Robots can also be programmed for different functions based on the sensors they use. Parking lot robots have license plate recognition capabilities, which can create a list of license plates to flag and alert security personnel.

The problem is to clarify the real capabilities and risks, said Jay Stanley, senior policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union. In fact, security robots patrolling the streets have caused problems.

In 2016, a K5 knocked down and slightly injured a toddler in a California shopping mall. The following year, another K5 launched itself into a fountain in an office building in Washington, DC.

Hoai Phuong (according to CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/robot-dang-nhanh-chong-gia-nhap-hang-ngu-an-ninh-o-my-post309293.html