Security Sales & Integration May 2022 - 41

such as a shopping mall, while others have
greater concerns after hours when the business
is closed. There are also literally thousands of
properties and businesses experiencing a rash
of criminal activity, like vehicle and catalytic
converter thefts, but can't afford the high cost
of a security officer. A robot on a part-time
schedule may be the solution. It is cost-effective
(programs are available starting at less than
$900/week and offer integrators RMR opportunities),
the schedule is customizable, and it
can operate seven days a week.
10 Key Questions Answered
If you and/or your end-user customer are thinking
a security robot is worth looking into further
or you have a parking area in mind for one,
here are answers to some common questions:
1. Do the robots require software to be installed
at the client site? No, some providers
offer a browser-based user interface that does
not require software to be installed.
2. How does the robot know where to patrol?
It is a common practice for it to patrol
on a predetermined patrol route that is programmed
into the robot's navigation system,
based on the specific needs of the property.
3. Can robots be used in multilevel parking
structures? Some models are capable of
traveling between levels using the same ramps
as vehicles.
4. How do they stay out of the way of cars?
Equipped with similar technologies used in
self-driving vehicles, incorporating LIDAR and
proximity sensors into the robot's navigation
system, allows the robot to detect objects, including
vehicles, and reroute itself around them,
safely within the preprogrammed patrol routes.
5. Does it read license plates? Yes, some robots
can read license plates in 360° while on
patrol.
6. Does it require someone to plug it in to
recharge the batteries? No, robots can autonomously
return to their charging station without
human intervention.
7. How long can a robot patrol for on one
battery charge? How long does it take to recharge
the batteries? Battery performance varies,
but some can patrol up to 2.5 hours with a
recharge time as short as 15-20 minutes.
8. Who provides the maintenance and service?
Most suppliers of autonomous security
robots provide all maintenance and service.
9. What do the robots use for communicasecuritysales.com
tion?
Cellular service is commonly used, eliminating
the need to use the property's network.
10. Do they operate in the extreme heat
and cold? Yes, there are robots on patrol in the
Southwest desert region to the freezing Northeast,
operating 24/7, rain or shine.
Oftentimes, adding security cameras (or implementing
more video analytics or AI-based
capabilities) or security officers to a parking
lot is the right solution to a security problem.
There are times, though, when an alternative or
more is needed.
The use of autonomous security robots in
parking areas is on the rise for those reasons.
They are an advanced tool being used to augment
and automate security programs, with
a proven track record of deterring criminal
activity. They not only help keep vehicles secure,
but more importantly, employees, visitors,
students, patients and patrons wherever
they're on patrol.
As a security integrator, it may be time to investigate
further and partner with a robotics specialist
to expand your portfolio of offerings. SSI
STACY STEPHENS is Executive Vice
President and Chief Client Officer for
Knightscope.
MAY 2022 Security Sales & Integration
41
Autonomous robots can augment
and automate security
programs, with a proven track
record of deterring criminal
activity. They not only help
keep vehicles secure but also
employees, visitors, students,
patients and patrons wherever
they're on patrol.
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