“Collaborative security robots” might sound like a futuristic term, but they’re becoming more prevalent in society every day and their value has become easy to recognize. Despite what you may have read, robots developing human attributes doesn’t mean they’re going to take all of our jobs. In fact, it means the opposite: using collaborative robots, those that can work with humans, heightens our ability to solve complex problems. Robots aren’t limited to only performing drudge work anymore; technological developments have allowed them to become smarter, empowering them to work alongside humans to tackle more detailed jobs.
A variety of industries have already turned to collaborative security robots to increase efficiencies and streamline processes. Warehouses, such as Amazon’s, are popular robot destinations, employing the machines to assist with duties such as lifting and stacking. In the healthcare field, collaborative security robots now aid surgeons and doctors, and are still perfect for more mundane activities, such as moving a medical equipment cart. There’s one area, though, that collaborative robots have reached where they act as a force multiplier to contribute to the safety and protection of individuals and can even save lives: the security world.
Collaborative security robots working in the security industry present a variety of benefits to enterprise organizations and businesses. These robots ensure that companies are using their people as a premium, allowing humans to do jobs in more demanding capacities that require interaction or intellect. Dangerous security jobs, such as in toxic waste facilities or clean energy plants, can be transferred to a security robot to reduce liability in the event of an emergency.
The patrol capabilities and responsiveness that security robots offer supplement human security staff, increasing their ability to detect intrusive and risky activity. Security robots can incorporate automatic obstacle avoidance sensors, two-way audio and on-board video surveillance to increase situational awareness and offer a comprehensive view of the threat landscape in any environment. The collaboration comes into play when a security robot alerts a Security Operations Center manned by a human guard or official of an identified predefined parameter; remote human guards can respond to and act on this information immediately if necessary.
In locations where security personnel much stretch across a vast space, such as campuses or critical infrastructure sites, collaborative robots can fill in the vacant spots and add an extra layer of protection. Additionally, these areas often require strict and continuous perimeter security. Collaborative robots are designed to provide uninterrupted intrusion detection, further magnifying their worth.
As security technology continues to progress, collaboration will be critical to streamline operations and seamlessly integrate systems. Collaborative robots will only grow in relevance in both security industry and the others mentioned above. They may take the place of a human worker in particular instances, but they won’t remove that worker altogether; collaborative robots pave the way for peak teamwork and robust achievements.