Nasdaq-listed Knightscope, a pioneering company that builds state-of-the-art robots and Artificial Intelligence technologies with a focus on improving public safety, has recently introduced its latest 5th Generation K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR) at a casino in Louisiana and the San Antonio International Airport in Texas.
The company whose long-term goal is to “make the United States of America the safest country in the world” has this way marked yet another crucial step in its journey to bring security automation into high-traffic venues.
The Casino, the 10th Venue to Get the K5 ASR
The Louisiana casino that received the fully autonomous outdoor robot that can run 24/7 and recharge on its own with zero human intervention counts as the 10th location across the US to receive the technology application.
This was made possible under the broader master agreement inked last year between the developing company and a leading entertainment company that is responsible for managing a rich portfolio consisting of properties like casinos, sports venues, and entertainment centers.
The 2023 contract is currently leading the way toward the integration of Knightscope’s top-tier security technology into no less than 43 different properties in the US, further showing the growing reliance on Artificial Intelligence-powered solutions that can increase public safety.
The robot, which is currently servicing malls, hospitals, warehouses, offices, and lobbies, besides casinos and airports at a top speed of 3 mph, has already logged in over 2.5 million hours of commercially operated services, giving users “additional eyes, ears, and a voice” via the fully integrated Knightscope Security Operations Center user interface.
The K5 ASR has the ability to patrol large areas of the casino, detect potential threats, and provide real-time data to the casino’s human security teams, allowing much more effective incident management.
Casinos in Las Vegas, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan also benefit from the same perks offered by the robot.
”Advanced, Force-Multiplying Physical Deterrent” at the Airport
The K5 ASR, which works as an ”advanced, force-multiplying physical deterrent,” is already allowing the security staff at the international San Antonio airport in Texas to enhance security.
According to the airport’s director, Jesus Saenz, the robot that weighs 420 lbs. and measures 64.6’’ in height will be stationed in a secure area of the facility, away from the public.
From there, it will patrol controlled access points, provide an extra layer of security, and help address door alarms, better streamlining airport security operations by enabling human staff to focus more on offering critical solutions like passenger assistance and operational needs.
Both of these new deployments once again prove Knightscope’s continuously growing influence in the public safety area where it provides real-time surveillance and incident response capabilities via autonomous technologies.
The company’s portfolio also features the K1 Laser, which is a Blue Light Emergency Communication System, as well as an Automated Gunshot Detection Service.
More Casinos Putting Robots on Security Patrol
In the last year or so, a growing number of casinos across the US have been observed employing security robots.
This spring, Margaritaville Resort Casino and Boomtown Casino in Bossier City began using security robots with 360-degree view cameras and 24-hour recording as additional security resources.
In June, a casino security robot was filmed confronting a guest in the Silverton parking garage, then proceeded to pursue them as they tried to escape.
In February 2009, M Resorts in Las Vegas also introduced M-Bot, a new robot security guard equipped with sensors and several cameras, and programmed to cruise the premises and allow the human security staff to see the property in real time.
The robot was introduced amid staff shortages in hotels across the city and was praised by Las Vegas Metro Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill, who referred to the use of technology as electronic crime fighters during a time when the institution had around 300 unfilled positions.
In a time when anything from bomb threats to indecent exposure come as no surprise for casinos around the country, the technology wonders seem more necessary than ever.
