111 The K5’s “crawl, walk, run” approach limits the risks associated with autonomous operation, allowing for real-world testing, continuous improvement and the ability to generate a steady revenue. By establishing these realistic boundaries, Knightscope can consistently deliver a practical, functioning system that is useful and trustworthy, aligning with public safety requirements rather than speculative technical aspirations, Li says. Public perception A significant element of Knightscope’s strategy involves public education to counteract misperceptions about robotic technology in security. Li acknowledges that while the K5’s large and mobile presence deters crime, it also evokes a certain unease in a public conditioned by fictional portrayals of robots as dangerous or invasive. Knightscope emphasises transparency and accessibility in its deployment of the K5, which is not only unarmed but limited in its operational scope. Li believes that by demystifying the K5’s capabilities and purpose, Knightscope can foster public trust and increase the adoption of security robotics. For Li, these fears resemble the public concerns that accompanied the introduction of ATMs, where speculation initially cast doubt on the technology’s viability. Over time, as the K5 and other ASRs continue to operate safely and effectively, he anticipates that skepticism to wane. Hardware and configuration Built with automotive-grade composites and aluminium, the fifth-generation K5 is engineered to withstand demanding outdoor conditions while maintaining a manageable weight. Li describes the design as “akin to a body-on-frame construction”, which ensures structural robustness and modularity for maintenance. The robot’s hardware configuration has evolved to reduce assembly time significantly, from a labour-intensive 100-120 hours to an ongoing goal of less than 20 hours. This efficiency has been largely achieved by simplifying the structure into three primary parts – head, body and door – to make assembly and field repairs more manageable. The wheels and propulsion system have also seen significant design modifications to accommodate variable terrain. Originally positioned at 3 and 9 o’clock, the two powered wheels have been relocated to the front, while a pair of castors is positioned at the rear. This arrangement improves terrain adaptability, enabling the K5 to navigate surfaces that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while remaining effective on other smooth, flat areas. Each powered wheel has its own electric motor. Lithium-ion batteries power the K5, whose advanced battery monitoring system connects directly to KNOC. Sensors and navigation The K5’s ability to navigate dynamic environments autonomously relies on a combination of Lidar, sonar, inertial measurement units (IMUs) and wheel encoders. The outputs of these sensors are fed into simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) software, enabling the robot to map its surroundings and position itself in complex environments. “Because they provide the fastest and most hyper-accurate mapping”, these sensors allow the K5 to navigate high-traffic areas safely, Li says. The microphone array on the K5 assists with intercom functionality and enhances its situational awareness. While GNSS is included, the limitations of satellitebased positioning in “urban canyons” and indoor settings mean the robot relies primarily on its SLAM-based system for precise navigation. The design emphasises high-mounted cameras, which reduce rain interference on the lens and improve field-of-view stability, optimising the performance of onboard machine-learning algorithms. By angling the cameras slightly downwards, the K5 avoids capturing excessive overhead visuals, which would otherwise skew analysis and situational accuracy, Li explains. Safety considerations are embedded in the K5’s design to mitigate risks to people and the robot itself. Li compares the K5’s safety framework to that of Uncrewed Systems Technology | December/January 2025 A pair of K5s with their rear maintenance access doors open. Along with the head and body, the door is one of the primary structural modules in the latest version of the robot
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mzk4