By Dean Murray
A company has rolled out its latest security guard solution – cute AI robots on wheels.
The Ascento Guard, which resembles a robo-sidekick from an 80s TV show, is designed to patrol buildings “to detect bad actors or unwanted people”.
Swiss firm Ascento this month announced the launch of the autonomous outdoor security patrolling robot, as well as a £3.5m ($4.3m) funding round.
The small guard features large wheels and two eye-like cameras, which give it a quirky appearance.
The bots are designed to navigate any outdoor terrain with “agility and stability”, even staying stable while bouncing down stairs.
“They are already being deployed on large industrial sites and have covered over 3,000 km for outdoor security since early this year,” said Ascento.
The company adds that customers include large outdoor warehouses, industrial manufacturing and pharma campus, among others.
The robot can verify perimeter integrity, check that doors and windows are closed, record property lights, identify floods and fires, and control parking lots.
They can move at walking speed (4.5km/h) and come with autonomous charging such that the system can be continuously in operation without human intervention.
Ascento believe that labor shortages have affected the security industry, which means companies are struggling to fulfill contractual obligations or sign new business.
The firm claims the Ascento Guard helps address the issue and can be installed and deployed within a few hours, allowing companies to save “from day one” and adapt fast to their current security needs.
“The new Ascento Guard offers hope and a breath of fresh air for the security industry facing some pressing challenges,” said Alessandro Morra, co-founder and CEO of Ascento.
“By supporting human security personnel with the Ascento Guard, security companies can offer a lean solution through which Ascento does the heavy lifting allowing humans to focus on the unique nuances of the work.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager