Robots of Tomorrow, Today!

The security industry has always been on the cutting edge of technology. Advancements in the field are constantly enhancing the end product making your security affordable and effective. In recent years, however, AI has added a excitng new dimension to world of security.

AI, or artificial intelligence, is described as "any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of success at some goal". (Source: Wikipedia) Autonomous robots and drones are taking security to the next level. In situations where it might be too risky or unsafe to send a human, these unmanned security options can add safety and security.

With these technologies burgeoning into the security field, this year at ISCWest they held their first "Unmanned Security Expo". This expo focused on Aerial Vehicles (or drones), Ground Robotics & Vehicles and the various software and applications that support them.  In a happy coincidence this week just happens to be National Robotics Week, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to tell you about some of the robotics I encountered last week.

DRONES

There were several drone companies with booths at ISCWest. Highlights included a demo by Nightingale Security where they showed us a live mission taking place in California. Their drones include live video streams, autonomous landing and charging, manual control if needed and a whole lot more! Harwar had an impressive Public Security drone on display. This drone has interchangeable attachments such as high elevation propellers, Lipo batteries and chargers, USB sticks, speakers and more that can be useful for emergency response situations. In addition to these there were plenty of exhibits, education and demos. And interestingly, an anti-drone booth.

GROUND ROBOTICS & VEHICLES

Back down on earth were the Ground Robotics and Vehicles. These varied immensely from a friendly robot with a face who asked if you wanted to take a selfie with it to vehicles that looked like they came straight from a Mission to Mars.

Meet RAMSEE. He's an autonomous security patrol robot. He has video surveillance, infrared vision, laser radar navigation, heat sensors, toxic gas detection and more! While not quite humanoid, he was definitely the most friendly and human like of the robots that I saw.

Next up is RAD(Robotic Assistance Devices). RAD robotic solutions have an autonomous robotic guard that provides solutions for operational, security and monitoring needs. Its wheels and rugged nature make it ideal for hard to get to places where safety is critical.

This is K5 by Knightscope. He is an Autonomous Data Machine (ADM) that provides a security solution for routine and sometimes dangerous situations. Through numerous sensors, it's able to determine various threat and concerns. The sleek and futuristic design gives "a commanding but friendly physical security presence."

I enjoyed speaking with some of the exhibitors about their drones and robots so stay tuned for our next podcast episode that will be focusing on the robotics at ISCWest!

As robots become more and more integrated into our society it's very fascinating to see the different ways the security industry is using them. I look forward to the Unmanned Security Expo at ISCWest next year to see what further advancements have been made!