Europeans, particularly those residing in Switzerland, have long recognized the indispensability of security guards. However, the financial implications and limited availability of human guards have prompted the exploration of alternative solutions. Enter a groundbreaking development from ETH Zurich's robotics start-up, Ascento—a patrol bot that showcases immense potential for assuming the role of a human security guard. In an impressive display of efficiency, this machine has already been effectively deployed by Swiss security firm Securitas AG, indicating a promising future for robotic security systems.

Figure 1. Security robot.

Figure 1 shows the security robot. In October of 2019, a notable incident involving a RoboCop, a robotic patrol robot, garnered widespread attention. Unfortunately, the incident showcased a flaw in the system when the robot failed to assist a woman in distress, repeatedly urging her to stay clear instead. The woman had pressed the emergency button for help, but the robot was not yet connected to local police departments. Instead, the button alerted the manufacturer, Knightscope, who then had to contact the police on behalf of the distressed individual.

According to Cosme Lozano, the chief of police at Huntington Park, the limited functionality of the RoboCops at the time was acknowledged. The police department was in the early stages of implementing the program and was still refining protocols to ensure seamless integration and effective adoption of the technology. Consequently, the features and capabilities of the robots were not actively advertised during this development phase.

In a recent development, the New York Police Department (NYPD) made headlines by introducing a fleet of crime-fighting robots to bolster security in subway stations across the city. These robotic devices are part of pilot programs set to launch during the upcoming summer season. Mayor Eric Adams expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of New Yorkers, visitors, and all individuals present in the city by actively seeking out cutting-edge technologies from around the world. The deployment of these robots marks the beginning of a series of rollouts aimed at enhancing crime prevention and protection efforts. With this advancement, there is hope that these new robots will surpass the capabilities of the earlier RoboCop and prove to be more effective in deterring and combating crime.

References:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/this-two-wheeled-robot-is-switzerlands-latest-security-guard

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Guarding with Grace: Switzerland's Latest Security Sentry on Two Wheels, AnaTechmaz, pp.209