Knightscope K5 security robot | In operation with providers underscored the criticality of redundancy in communications. Another core challenge was achieving reliable, 24/7 operation across various environmental conditions. The requirement for continuous service posed wear and tear issues, especially on battery management and component durability. Li drew an analogy to automotive wear rates, pointing out that vehicles are designed to be inactive for 90% of the time, whereas the K5 runs nearly continuously, accumulating wear far beyond typical consumer products. “If I were to ask you to drive your car 24/7 for an entire month, and we’d take care of your fuel or recharging as needed, you would likely need maintenance at the end of that month. And, depending on the speed you were doing, you’d likely void the automaker’s entire warranty for the vehicle,” he says. The K5’s continuous operation imposes its own constraints on hardware architecture, says Li. “You might find a component or subsystem that in theory will never break. You think it will be fine, so you bury it at the bottom of the machine, thinking you’ll never have to touch it. So you have a plan, but then you get punched in the face,” he says, paraphrasing ‘Iron Mike’ Tyson. “And now you’re in the field, having to take that machine almost all apart to fix it. So, for the next version, you rethink how you go about doing things.” Consequently, the design process has been highly iterative, with new hardware introduced every three to nine months, and software updates rolled out biweekly to optimise performance. The K5’s iterative development cycle has led to substantial revisions in parts layout and sensor positioning, particularly with camera and wheel placements, to enhance durability and reduce complexity. For instance, the component count has been significantly reduced to improve assembly times and reduce the potential for in-field malfunctions. For the fifth-generation, “we did a complete ground-up redesign on the K5”, says co-founder Stephens. “In doing so, we took advantage of manufacturing efficiencies to create a more serviceable machine that is also more durable and reliable.” He says this has led to a significant increase in customer commitment. “A lot of clients who were maybe on the fence about the reliability of some of the technology are elated with the improvements, and, as a result, we’ve been able to announce a lot of contract renewals this year.” Stephens also believes this repeat business can be credited to the MaaS model, and the direct communication between Knightscope and its customers. “We are always getting requests for new capabilities, which are all captured in an ongoing list of things to investigate and prioritise, according to demand, etc.” It also gives operators regular access to new technology beyond software updates at no extra cost, including the fifth-generation K5. “We own the asset, so we can come in and do a hot swap,” he says. “We pick up their old robot, drop off a new robot and it goes to work.” Future integrations In terms of future operational capabilities, Knightscope is working towards full integration with other security technologies, both in-house and from outside vendors. Integrated facial recognition, available in the K1 Hemisphere stationary system, for example, enables alerts for key people/VIPs and user-generated watchlists for use in the prevention of workplace violence, while automatic licence-plate recognition enables the identification of approved or denied vehicles and helps to monitor parking. Further, the company’s gunshotdetection system can locate the origin of a shot to within 2 m in less than 2 s, Stephens says. “Given that location, the robot may be directed to move towards it while public safety professionals are getting prepared. They’re able to tap directly into the robot’s feed and see things unfold in real time. That way, when they arrive on scene, they’re more aware of what that situation entails, so they can remain safe,” he adds. The same principle applies to Knightscope’s new, laser-based, K1 object-detection and tracking system for perimeter protection, and UAVs for which the company has signed a partnership with multicopter manufacturer Draganfly. Stephens expects the robot will become part of a networked system of systems in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 113 Uncrewed Systems Technology | December/January 2025 K5 Height: 64.6 in (164.08 cm) Length: 44.6 in (113.28 cm) Width: 34.9 in (88.65 cm) Weight: 420 lb (190.51 kg) Speed: up to 3 mph (4.83 kph) Sensors and effectors: 4 x HD cameras with wide-angle lenses, 1 x infra-red (thermal) camera, 4 x microphones, 1 x amplified speaker/horn, 4 x strobe lights Navigation sensors: 6 x Lidar sensors, 13 x sonar sensors Communication: 4G LTE cellular, intercom button directed to client-specified phone number Terrain capabilities: ADA-compliant surfaces and ramps with gradients up to 20% Operating temperature: 0-46 C outside ambient Key suppliers Automated manufacturing: E and M Inc Body panels: Quigley’s Auto Body Cloud manufacturing: Fast Radius Lidar sensors: Ouster Repair services: Konica Minolta Key specifications
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