108 Now in its fifth generation, Knightscope’s K5 outdoor autonomous security robot (ASR) stands as a pioneering venture in autonomous security technology, based on merging advanced robotics with a strong public safety ethos. Launched in 2013 by CEO William (Bill) Santana Li and Stacy Stephens, the company was motivated by a mission to transform public safety in the US, following events such as the Sandy Hook shooting, the Boston Marathon bombing and the 9/11 attacks. Li, reflecting on these formative moments, emphasises a desire to “make the United States of America the safest country in the world”. This goal underscores Knightscope’s ambition to integrate one million autonomous robots into security networks nationwide, alleviating the demands on human law enforcement, and providing continuous surveillance and response. He is optimistic about expanding Knightscope’s reach and its portfolio shows over 10,000 machines deployed so far. Its ASR fleet has accumulated more than 2.5 million operational hours in various US locations and climates. The K5 is part of a family of security robots and other public safety-related sensing technologies, including automated gunshotdetection, laser object-detection and classification devices, and emergency communications systems. As well as law enforcement, the ASRs are in service in sectors such as banking, healthcare, airports, residential and office complexes, hotels, casinos, car parks and storage facilities. In the summer, Knightscope sealed new contracts and renewals with clients, including Huntington Park Police Department in California, for example, which signed up for its sixth year in August. Design and impact Knightscope’s design philosophy centres on using the K5 as a tangible, visible deterrent to crime; a function that Li believes to be underappreciated outside of public safety circles. The scale, appearance and illumination of the robot underscore its role as an active The K5 security robot’s ‘crawl, walk, run’ approach limits the risks associated with autonomous operation. Peter Donaldson reports In safe hands December/January 2025 | Uncrewed Systems Technology The 420 lb K5 robot, unarmed as a matter of principle, nevertheless has an imposing presence, as this shot next to a Mercedes SUV makes clear (Images courtesy of Knightscope)
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