California start-up Knightscope has created a robot designed to give human security guards a helping hand.
Microsoft is the first company to begin using the K5 security robot, testing the machine at its Silicon Valley campus, according to The Independent. The bot is equipped with sensors used to measure movements, location temperature, sound, carbon dioxide levels and barometric pressure and send collected data back to its human co-workers.
While the machine initially needs to be controlled by a human to build a map of its environment, it will be able to go on patrol by itself afterwards.
Other features of the 5-foot K5 include a GPS, lasers for calculating distances, cameras, odor detectors and scanners capable of reading 300 car registration plates per minute, Tech Times reported.
The K5 doesn't carry weapons, but it will stop abruptly if someone walks in front of it and release a loud alarm signal to request back-up whenever someone messes with it. People who need assistance can also press the button near the top of the robot's head to receive help.
Stacy Stephens, co-founder of Knightscope, said the robot aims at making security less dangerous, adding that it "leaves the strategic work to law enforcement or private security, depending on the application," The Independent reported. Companies looking to save money on security might be glad to hear that Stephens said the robots will be given a "wage" of $6.25 an hour.
Knightscope is looking to have several of its K5s start working at the beginning of 2015. While the robot may not serve as a replacement for human guards, it will be able to make sure people who need help can get it.
