The Robot Roadshow, an experimental event from Knightscope Inc., landed in Dallas on October 18. It was hosted at the Commemorative Air Force as a way for Knightscope to create connections with potential clients and gain exposure, according to a press release from the security robots developer.
Knightscope develops autonomous security robots built for detecting, deterring, and reporting crimes. The company has a goal of making America one of the safest countries in the world, the press release shared.
The Dallas Roadshow was held at no charge to attendees and featured in-person and virtual interactions. Attendees got to interact with Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) and learn more about the technology behind them.
“Knightscope created the ultimate hybrid physical and virtual event where we bring all of our technologies to a city near you to experience in an interactive and in-person format,” Knightscope suggested. “Each Roadshow ‘Landing’ will be hosted virtually by a Knightscope expert, but you will still be able to interact directly with each of our ASRs and see the Knightscope Security Operations Center (KSOC) user interface in action.”
The robots for Knightscope are taken around the country in “pods” for clients, investors, and other people to witness.
Knightscope continued its tour around Texas with a stop in Richardson before traveling down to Houston for two additional showing.
“Experience Knightscope’s space age ‘pod’ and interact directly with its Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) in person,” the website promoted. “Participate in a virtual meeting with Knightscope experts to learn about the Company, the machines, the Knightscope Security Operations Center (KSOC) and all things Knightscope.”
Knightscope has hosted roadshows in additional states across the country, including Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, and North Carolina.
Proponents claim that Knightscope technology has contributed to a reduction of crime in communities where it is used, according to the website, but a larger-scale implementation is needed for the company to see the results it wants.
Police from the city of Huntington Park in California suggested that deploying the Knightscope has lowered crime in the community.
Chief of Police Cosme Lozano and City Manager Ricardo Reyes wrote in 2020 that “The K5 robot is having a positive impact on crime and nuisance activity at Salt Lake Park, which is reducing the instances of police activity at the park.”
A Huntington Park City Council meeting held in July of last year led to a unanimous vote to extend the Knightscope contract by two years, the company website shares.
The Knightscope website also lists the crimes that ASRs have been shown to help with. These crimes include theft, domestic violence, burglary, shootings, car and vehicle break-ins, stolen bikes, and hit-and-runs.
Sounds great! Finally an attempt to SOLVE a problem instead of just COMPLAINING about it.