Security Guard Robot Rolls Itself Into Watery Grave

Artifical Intelligence is currently one of the most influential technologies being developed. Once AI arrives, they will replace many human jobs. Depending on who you believe, that will usher in an era of prosperity or utter despair for humanity. For now, that day still seems quite far away until we welcome our new robot overlords. One security robot aptly demonstrated this when it rolled itself into an early watery grave.

Developed by Knightscope the K5 is a comprehensive security robot. In the 3 years since release, the robot has been deployed in a variety of locations. The 300lb (135kg) robot features a host of sensors to do its security job. It has a 360-degree video camera array, sensitive microphones, air quality sensors, and thermal imaging. The cameras can ready 1500 car number plates per minute while the microphones can detect gun shots and other crucial sounds. Autonomous mobility is facilitated by a combination of lidar, radar, and the video camera array.

Robot Guard Drowns in 2 Feet of Water

Earlier this week, the robot demonstrated why AI isn’t quite ready yet. While off patrolling its sector, the K5 managed to drown itself in the mall water feature. It some how missed the steps going down into the pool and drowned to an early grave. Perhaps this “isolated incident” is a result of the K5 getting sick and tired and of its job after achieving sentience. Or more likely, it simply missed the steps and killed itself.

Knightscope is pitching the K5’s as partial security guard replacements. In most cases, the K5 will handle the patrols and provide a physical presence. A few humans remain at a central location to provide the real enforcement once the K5 detects an issue. As it stands, AI is unlikely to replace humans any time soon. However, as Elon Musk is warning, it’s better for us to prepare for AI before it sneaks up on us. Even if AI isn’t malicious, we don’t want it accidentally running us over or drowning us.