Guard robots, net-enabled monitoring systems popular

Citation

(2003), "Guard robots, net-enabled monitoring systems popular", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930aab.005

Guard robots, net-enabled monitoring systems popular

Guard robots, net-enabled monitoring systems popular

Keywords: Robots, Security

Once famed for its safe streets, Japan is experiencing rising crime rates that are pushing firms to invest more in security services even though a continuing recession is forcing overall costs. Security agencies are using innovative technologies in products and services to meet rising demands. They range from monitoring systems for condominium entrances and unmanned parking garages to a new breed of security robot that patrols buildings and factories at a fraction of the cost of a human security guard. The emergence of security robots and other automated systems also benefit security firms since they are cheaper to operate than conventional services using human guards.

One example of the new products is the Model C3 Guard Robot being developed by Sogo Keibi Hosho Co. Ltd. An automated receptionist by day and security guard by night, the robot will be on the job around the clock all year long. During business hours, the C3 greets people while a touch screen displays information about the owner’s facility. The robot can lead visitors to the proper elevator and even offer information on restaurants and comfort facilities in the area, but if someone tries to sneak into the same building at night, the C3 robot will spot their presence with its roving camera and sound the alarm.

Sogo Keibi is upbeat on the market it is entering. If security guards are permanently stationed around the clock, the cost is between $16,200 and $22,300 per month per guard, and if robots can replace human guards, long-term costs will be significantly reduced.

Recently, a series of serious crimes, including robberies, and once a deadly case of arson, has helped spur the trend toward robot guards. Most recently, Secom released the MS-1 Plus security system for condominium complexes. The system monitors the facility and checks for suspicious people in common areas like the lobby and hallways. If a resident spots a stranger lurking, he, by pressing a button, gets Secom’s control center to issue a warning and to start to videotape the area.

Recently, as well, Secom released a similar product for unmanned parking garages. This, the Securipark II, is designed to prevent people from breaking into fee-collection machines. If the system detects anything unusual, it zooms its cameras in, on the situation and shouts with a threatening voice.

Some firms are using the Internet as part of their security system. For example, View Web, unveiled by Chuo Electronics System and Hitachi Security Service this past spring uses infrared sensors to detect intruders. Once the system is triggered, cameras automatically zoom in, on the location of intrusion. The system sends the images over the Internet to a personal computer or cellular phone. The recipient can send signals back to control the camera’s movements.

Shoplifters and internal thieves are also hot topics in Japan, and interest has just been aroused by Tokachiho Koheki Ltd, which is selling an anti-theft system made by Sensormatic Electronics Corp. of the US. Designed to prevent shoplifting, the system sets off an alarm when items with a special tag pass through sensors. Universities and corporations are the latest to introduce the system to prevent thieves from taking valuable equipment out the door.