San Diego is among the latest cities to implement new innovative technology to reduce crime.
The autonomous security robot is helping tackle crime by using a combination of self-driving technology and artificial intelligence to provide an extra set of eyes and ears on the ground.
“It’s just here to enhance the security so that it constantly shows a presence,” said Danny Garcia, CEO of JDS Security Services.
The autonomous security robot recently started patrolling the Stratton Apartments in Clairemont.
“It’s constantly monitoring the area for any anomalies that it may have,” said Garcia. It’s one of just three recently deployed in San Diego.
“The robot is basically here to give tenants and the property a sense of security in the most innovative way,” he added.
Garcia, who is also the director of operations at JDS Security Services, says the technology acts as a physical deterrent for crime.
“Another thing that they’re having issues with right now is a lot of catalytic converters are being stolen, so the robot does have the infra-red that will monitor for any heat singles walking around vehicles at night,” said Garcia.
The automated security officer is capable of working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and recharges its batteries on site.
On the company’s website, it says the costs range anywhere from 75 cents to nine dollars an hour, which is significantly less than what a human security guard would cost.
The robot has 360-degree, high-definition cameras. It records audio and video and can read up to 300 license plates per minute. It’s also capable of recording your phone’s IP address if a crime is committed.
“This ASO as we call it, it’s much like a human being. It runs on 5 sensors, just like you and I,” said Garcia. “When a crime is committed it goes directly to our dispatch center,” said Larry White, JDS Security Services.
The robot can store information for up to 30 days.
While some people are happy to have the new technology, others are still warming up to the idea.
“I cannot communicate with a machine, I cannot talk to a machine, a machine cannot talk to me,” said resident, Cynthia Gilliam.
There is a growing demand for the robots and they have already been rolled out in cities across California, and new York city, Washington D.C and Las Vegas.