Knightscope, specializing in robots and AI for public safety, has announced an upgrade to its K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR). The update is intended to expand the robot’s capabilities and market reach by enhancing its autonomous navigation system, allowing deployment in larger and more complex environments.
The enhanced K5 ASR is engineered to operate in areas such as expansive parking lots, logistics centers, and auto auction facilities. The improvements, driven by advancements in machine learning and sensor fusion, are aimed at addressing the evolving requirements for monitoring large-scale security operations remotely.
As part of the rollout, an Ohio police department has entered into a two-year agreement to utilize the upgraded K5 ASR, marking the first adoption of the enhanced technology. Knightscope expects broader deployment as organizations increasingly integrate robotics and AI into their public safety strategies.
The company is conducting final testing of the upgraded K5 at its headquarters in Silicon Valley, with production units scheduled for delivery in the near future. Like all Knightscope products, the K5 ASR is manufactured in the United States.
Since its initial launch in 2015, the K5 ASR has been deployed in various environments, including schools, hospitals, corporate campuses, casinos, transportation hubs, and storage facilities. These deployments have contributed to increased safety in communities across the country.
“This upgrade to the K5 represents a significant step forward for autonomous security technology,” said William Santana Li, Chairman and CEO of Knightscope. “By equipping organizations to secure and remotely monitor larger and more complex areas with greater efficiency, we are not only meeting current security challenges but also paving the way for new applications and markets.”
