Unmanned Security Guards: Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV

As drone technology continues to advance, unmanned systems are continuing to find themselves entering more lines of work. The intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of UAVs have dramatically changed the way the military provides security to our warfighters, conducts humanitarian missions, and maintains situational awareness on the battlefield. It is only natural to take the obvious benefits of these tools and apply them to other industries as well. In 2016 Sharp Robotics Business Development debuted a new unmanned ground vehicle they call the INTELLOS A-UGV. It is advertised as "cost-effective, multiterrain, mobile sensor platform that can capture video, audio and environmental data, while providing a visible deterrent" While it may not be a "Robo-Cop", INTELLOS is designed to be more of a Robo-Security Guard.  "The data it provides can enhance outdoor surveillance, security, safety and maintenance inspections, which will help organizations meet the challenges of an ever‐changing security landscape by augmenting a skilled guard force." While it may seem like an off-road roomba with a security camera, it boasts a number of features that will benefit a wide array of industries. These industries may include:

·         Distribution and Storage

·         Manufacturing

·         Power & Utility

·         Pharmaceutical

·         Data Centers

·         Petro-chemical & Mining

·         Airports and Rail Yards

·         Government and Correction

The vehicle operates autonomously following its patrol route and streams its video and sensor data back to a command center. Types of missions may include:

·         Perimeter Patrol

·         Data Collection

·         Environmental Hazard Detection

·         Entry & Lock Check

·         Guage Inspection

·         Intrusion Response

This will enable a security team to take any necessary appropriate action if required. According to David Antar, president of IPVideo Corp., the Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV is what the security industry has been waiting for. “The Sharp A-UGV fills the gap that has existed in true situational awareness and real-time data collection for customers in search of comprehensive surveillance. During my nearly 30 years in the industry, rarely have I been this excited about a new product launch,” he says.

UGV security drones likely will not replace the need for a security guards in every industry, but this is an exciting step in the field of robotics. They will work together with existing security teams to extend their reach and broaden their capability. Much like other unmanned systems, they will still require a large human footprint to maintain and monitor these robots. While they are able to operate autonomously, they will still need somebody to report their data to for decision making purposes.  The service they provide however should be significant in promoting safety and security.

http://www.securitysales.com/article/sharp_unveils_automated_unmanned_ground_vehicle_for_security_applications

http://www.roboticstomorrow.com/news/2017/03/22/us-security-associates-named-authorized-reseller-of-the-sharp-intellos-a-ugv/9716/