Microsoft Testing Robotic Security Guards at Silicon Valley Facility

Software major Microsoft is testing robotic security guards developed by Mountain View-based startup Knightscope. The K5 robots employed by Microsoft at stand 5 feet tall and weigh 300 pounds. The K5 robots will only be using sirens and alarms and have been equipped with advanced cameras for monitoring any activity in the area.

The robots make use of lasers, sensors and many cameras mounted on them. The robots are capable of reading license plates of vehicles and check them against database. If there is any usual activity, the robotic security guard K5 will report it to a supervisor. The robots use Wi-Fi to share live videos with the control station. Additionally, the robot can also track other K5 robots in the region. The robot has the ability to track and analyze faces as well.

K5 robot developed by Knightscope runs for 24 hours for single battery charge. The battery needs 20 minutes to recharge. The robots haven’t been equipped with a weapon but can alert supervisors and police in case of an emergency.

Knightscope chairman and CEO William Santana Li said, "I believe robots are the perfect tools to handle the monotonous and sometimes dangerous work in order to free up humans to more judiciously address activities requiring higher-level thinking, hands-on encounters, or tactical planning."

Knightscope said that the robots will take over the time consuming job of security from humans in coming years. Humans are better suited for intelligent jobs. The K5 robot can easily find application at many warehouses, offices and malls across the country.

Google has been working on robotics sector for past few years. The company has acquired robotics firm Boston Dynamics for an undisclosed amount.