An Overview of Current Security Robot Technologies
Robot Design and Functions: Security robots come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on their intended function. Common designs include:

Patrol Robots
Patrol robots are designed to autonomously navigate indoor and outdoor areas while monitoring for security threats. They are usually wheel-based with cameras, microphones, and sensors to detect anomalies. Some popular patrol robot models include Knightscope K5, Anthropic Guardion, and TinyMile Bot.

Guard Station Robots
Guard station robots are stationary and designed to monitor specific locations like building entryways. They interact with people through touchscreens and cameras to check visitor badges, direct guests, and monitor for unsafe situations. Examples include Temi, Anthropic Station, and Knightscope K3.

Inspection Robots
Inspection robots are small mobile devices used to safely examine hazardous or hard to reach areas. Equipped with cameras, they can inspect infrastructure, evaluate damage after events, or search confined spaces. Common inspection robots include RE2 Robotics DragonFish and Anthropic Inspector.

Delivery Robots
Delivery robots transport authorized items within secure areas like hospitals, office parks, or university campuses. They utilize wheelbases, LIDAR, and cameras to safely navigate corridors and avoid obstacles. Popular models are Starship Technologies bots and Robby robotic delivery machines.

Robot Sensors and Processing
To complete security functions, Security Robots rely on integrated sensors, AI algorithms, and on-board or cloud-based processing. Key technologies include:

Cameras - Robots use cameras similar to security cameras for situational awareness, facial recognition, license plate reading, and detecting suspicious activity.

LIDAR - Light detection and ranging sensors map surroundings in 3D to allow robots to autonomously navigate complex indoor and outdoor spaces.

Radar - Some robots integrate radar for all-weather object detection capabilities beyond the range of cameras.

Microphones - Microphones detect unusual sounds that could indicate disturbances, like breaking glass or yelling.

Thermal sensors - Thermal cameras see differences in surface temperatures to identify people in low light or detect intruders attempting to evade detection.

Artificial intelligence - AI and machine learning algorithms process sensor data to identify patterns, anomalies, and help robots complete tasks autonomously with minimal human oversight. Processing occurs either on the robot or in the cloud for more computationally intensive operations.

Facial recognition - Some robots can identify individuals through facial recognition databases and take appropriate responses like alerting security if an unauthorized person is detected.

Robot Uses in Physical Security
As the technology advances, security robots are taking over a variety of roles previously performed by humans or standalone devices:

Perimeter monitoring - Patrol robots autonomously sweep indoor and outdoor areas to monitor for breaches of fences, doors, or other barriers after hours.

Access control - Guard station robots stationed at building entries interact with visitors, check credentials, direct guests, and alert security to potential unsafe situations.

Hazardous patrols - Inspection and bomb disposal robots allow security personnel to remotely search areas too dangerous to enter, like after bomb threats.

Event monitoring - Robots monitor large public gatherings and events for disturbances, medical emergencies, crime incidents, and help direct guests.

Logistics security - Delivery robots transport secure items like medications and sensitive documents within office parks and hospitals under camera and AI supervision.

Future robot capabilities - As AI, sensors, and mobility continue progressing, robots will likely handle security officer patrols, access control checkpoints, remote infrastructure inspections, and emergency response assistance.

Robots integrate seamlessly into modern physical security operations by autonomously covering more ground than stationary devices or humans alone. Their technical capabilities improve safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of monitoring secure facilities. As technology evolves further, security robots are poised to take over an even greater role in real-time protection and monitoring tasks.

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