In an impressive stride towards tightening the security reins, the Nasdaq-listed Knightscope, a trailblazer in crafting cutting-edge robots and Artificial Intelligence technologies committed to boosting public safety, has unveiled its latest marvel—the 5th Generation K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR)—at a casino in Louisiana and the bustling San Antonio International Airport in Texas.
With a long-term mission to transform the United States into the safest country on Earth, Knightscope has marked yet another pivotal milestone in its audacious journey to usher security automation into high-traffic venues across the nation.
The Casino Rolls a Perfect 10 with the K5 ASR
The Louisiana casino now boasts the fully autonomous outdoor robot, clocking in as the 10th location nationwide to embrace this sophisticated security solution. This relentless sentinel tirelessly works 24/7 and recharges autonomously, all without a single iota of human touch.
This technological breakthrough stems from a broader master agreement inked in the previous year between Knightscope and a leading entertainment company, which oversees a glitzy portfolio brimming with casinos, sports venues, and vibrant entertainment centers.
As part of a trend-setting 2023 contract, this collaboration sets the stage for the rollout of Knightscope’s premier security tech into a formidable 43 properties across the United States, underscoring the swelling reliance on AI-powered solutions to bolster public safety.
Roaming the halls of malls, hospitals, warehouses, offices, lobbies, casinos, and airports at a measured top speed of 3 mph, the K5 ASR has clocked in over 2.5 million hours of commercial operation. Equipped with “additional eyes, ears, and a voice,” courtesy of the wholly integrated Knightscope Security Operations Center user interface, it’s a veritable guardian angel.
Within the casino’s expansive floors, the K5 wields the power to patrol vast tracts, sniff out potential threats, and relay real-time data to human security teams, enabling far more nimble and effective incident management. And it’s not just Louisiana rolling the high stakes; casinos in Las Vegas, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan are also cashing in on the K5’s benefits.
Securing the Skies with “Advanced, Force-Multiplying Physical Deterrent” at the Airport
Meanwhile, down in the Lone Star State, the San Antonio International Airport has welcomed the K5 ASR as an “advanced, force-multiplying physical deterrent,” bolstering the security ensemble. As per Airport Director Jesus Saenz, the 420 lbs., 64.6’’ behemoth will stand sentinel in a secure section, well away from the public’s curiosities.
The robot will vigilantly patrol controlled access points, adding an extra layer of security and addressing door alarms, all while allowing human security personnel to pivot their focus to critical tasks such as passenger assistance and handling operational needs.
These new deployments yet again attest to Knightscope’s ever-expanding footprint in the realm of public safety, providing real-time surveillance and incident response capabilities through its autonomous tech marvels.
Beyond the K5, Knightscope’s tech arsenal also features the K1 Laser, a Blue Light Emergency Communication System, and an Automated Gunshot Detection Service, securing its place as a frontrunner in the safety tech domain.
More Casinos Betting Big on Security Robots
The past year has seen an influx of casinos across the US making security robots part of their playbook. This spring, Margaritaville Resort Casino and Boomtown Casino in Bossier City rolled the dice on security robots equipped with 360-degree view cameras and 24-hour recording, doubling down on security resources.
In a dramatic June episode, a security robot at a Silverton parking garage was captured confronting a guest before hotly pursuing them as they attempted to flee. Not to be outdone, in February 2009, M Resorts in Las Vegas trumpeted the arrival of M-Bot, a savvy robot security guard jam-packed with sensors and cameras, commissioned to patrol the premises and offers human security teams a real-time lookout.
As the industry grapples with staffing shortages—highlighted by Las Vegas Metro Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill, who lauded the robotic “electronic crime fighters” in a time when job vacancies ballooned to around 300—these tech wonders have swiftly become indispensable.
In an era rife with bomb threats and indecent exposures, casinos nationwide are finding that these automated sentries, with their high-tech wizardry, are not just a safe bet—they’re the house’s edge in the relentless quest for security.
