What impact are robots and/or drones having on the security industry?

Robots and drones can benefit the security industry by augmenting existing surveillance capabilities. This technology can continuously safeguard people, buildings, and property and access viewpoints not otherwise available to the naked human eye. This means that a security guard no longer needs to physically stand somewhere for hours on end to ensure a place is secure, nor do companies need to have numerous security cameras on their premises. Despite the advantages of robots in security, there are negative connotations this technology has. The public is currently concerned about the idea of constantly being watched by a machine, especially when questioning what these robots or drones do with the footage they have collected? When it comes to security, regardless of its implementation, the privacy versus security debate is always at the forefront of people’s minds. Therefore, robots and drones will better impact the security industry only through transparency and regulation, which could potentially make people more trusting of these developing technologies.

Drones and robots have been used by the military as a force extender for quite some time. Now these technologies are enabled for civilian use with more robust, high bandwidth, low latency wireless connectivity technologies such as 5G, Starlink and CBRS – and the rise of so-called artificial intelligence (AI) – are allowing us to efficiently keep watch over larger areas, or access dangerous areas where people cannot safely enter, and can provide an alternative to human workers in repetitive, or hazardous situations such as guard patrols and search and rescue missions. As the technology progresses in both AI and wireless data, we will see more use of it in complex and dangerous tasks that are currently handled by humans.

One of the most valuable features of robots and drones is that they can access areas that could not be safely reached and monitored by a human, such as remote oil and gas or underground mining sites. AI-enabled video analytic boxes can be retrofitted to a video device. With this combination, the robot can detect any suspicious activity, fire and smoke, and other hazardous conditions in real-time. Upon detection of critical situations, robots can alert staff to take necessary action.

Robots have been more widely implemented in many industries, such as the robot arm in automotive manufacture, the warehouse automation robot, cleaning robots for residential and commercial buildings, food delivery robots, drones for agriculture, etc. For the security industry, the introduction of machine learning, AI technologies and robotics is changing security and facility management. Robots can detect open doors, unauthorised access, etc. They can be used to identify safety risks and liabilities, like unauthorised visitors and unauthorised breaking and entering. Meanwhile, robots can interact and communicate with visitors and employees. They easily integrate with existing security solutions such as access control; they enable security personnel or facility executives to add remote coverage; and they can augment existing manned guard operations. With continuing developments in technology and integrations with other security systems, within five to 10 years, security robots are likely to be a commonly used tool for security professionals. As with most new technologies, it will take some time for users to see the full benefits of security robots. The industry needs to remain honest and realistic about the capabilities and limitations of the technology, while maintaining a level of technical expertise to deliver immediate value and long-term vision.