In recent years, there has been quite a bit of talk about incorporating robots into the security field. Now it’s a reality in Silicon Valley.
Could robots eventually take over the job of patrolling various buildings?
Some are already on patrol at Microsoft's Silicon Valley campus. The autonomous guards weigh about 300 pounds and stand 5 feet tall. The Knightscope K5 security robots utilize a technology comparable to Google’s self driving car.
They’re not designed to make arrests or chase after criminals. Instead the goal is for the robots to avoid confrontation, but still be able to detect what’s going on the vicinity.
If a person steps in front of the robot, it will reroute to maneuver around the individual. However it will transmit video footage to a human-operated control center.
They’re also equipped with technology that allows them to listen to telltale sounds like glass-breakage or other loud and unnatural noises that could indicate a burglar is at work.
If a nefarious activity is detected, a picture of the getaway vehicle and license plate will be obtained. The co-founder of Knightscope, Stacy Stephens remarked “The vast majority of people see it and go, ‘Oh my God, that’s so cute.’ We’ve had people go up and hug it, and embrace it for whatever reason.”
The robots can run for 24 hours straight and cost about $6.25 an hour to perform their duties.