While it still might seem strange to most people, robots that are used for security are becoming more popular in a number of companies and private residences. These aren't just robot-like systems that are fixed in place, but also actual robots "security guards" that move about the location and detect problems and concerns. The world has shifted to a lot more automation than has been seen in the past, and while people are adjusting to it there are still serious concerns for some. In short, they don't always trust technology. But should you? Here's just how smart security robots can be, and why you should trust them for protection.
What are security robots and how do they work?
Security robots come in several different types. There are larger models that can patrol outside, smaller models for indoor commercial use, and all-terrain options that are able to move through more rugged areas. Some stationary models are also available, and they can interact with people in their vicinity but cannot move around. It likely won't be long before some indoor residential models are also available, but this isn't the case for standard usage just yet. They are preprogrammed for certain tasks, and can also be controlled through connection with an operator.
Can you really trust a security robot - and should you?
The short answer is yes. You can trust a security robot, and you should. They don't carry weapons, and they can't detain people, but they can be loud and they have alarms. They can't actually stop a crime in progress or use a weapon (even a non-lethal one) to harm somebody. But they can provide good protection in that they can frighten away criminals and detect activity that shouldn't be going on. One of the reasons they aren't in wide-spread usage yet is because there are concerns about some of the fine-tuning they might need, but their overall safety and level of protection are both great reasons to trust them and their value in the security field.
Could a security robot outsmart you?
In theory, a security robot isn't going to outsmart anyone. They don't play games or ask a lot of questions, and they're mostly set up to detect people where they shouldn't be, cars that have been sitting in one place for too long, and other types of problems. They aren't out questioning suspects or interacting with the public much at all. In the future it's possible that they'll do more of that, but for now what they can offer is restricted to only certain types of interactions and patrolling behaviors.
Here's something you didn't know...
Security robots aren't always going to get it right, and a robot called K5 actually drove itself right into an office building fountain in Washington DC because it didn't detect the fountain in time. The mall personnel who had to remove the robot from the fountain jokingly tweeted that it drowned itself, and the manufacturer jokingly tweeted back that the robot wanted to take a swim in the heat, and didn't realize it couldn't do that. It can be easy to be intimidated by these robots but there's no reason to be. They're around for protection, not harm.
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