HAYWARD, Calif. — Security robots have become a bit of an enigma. Often referred to as a “R2-D2” robot in the media and by passerbys, these robots can serve as a valuable resource in the security industry.
They are ideal for large open spaces where it would be too expensive to hire multiple human security guards. However, they also come off as a bit of a novelty.
Some people simply don’t understand how these robots work. “In the wrong hands, people could like… reboot it or something,” a New Yorker told a local news station last year. Others have too much to drink and pick a fight with these robo guards.
The most recent incident to make headlines happened several weeks ago when a man assaulted a K5 Knightscope security robot in a parking garage.
Unfortunately for the suspect, one of the primary functions of these robots is surveillance, meaning his crime was caught on video thanks to its 360° HD video streaming and recording capability.
Images were released by the Hayward Police Department showing the suspect running up to the robot before he knocked it over (see screenshot above). Knightscope told a local newspaper that the robot is expected to make “a full and speedy recovery.”
The more common these security robots become, the more likely we’ll hear stories about hooligans causing trouble with them. Check out this feature to learn more about how security robots can benefit security patrols.
