Is it okay to have security robots?
According to Global Innovation Index, Japan ranks 13th among 132 countries in technological capability, despite its current labour shortage.
The national labour shortage may linger as Nomura Research Institute predicts a 15% shortage in Japan’s workforce by 2030. To curb the challenge of labour shortage in security, Japan “recruits” technology into its security system.
The security robot built as a Cognitive cooperation robot, nicknamed “Cocobo”, is designed by SEQ SENSE Co. Limited based in Tokyo, Japan. Presently, Cocobo security guards are deployed to government buildings for patrol exercises. While the acceptable height to be recruited in the country’s security male team is 173cm, Cocobo is 125cm tall.
Although, Cocobo is not armed like any human security officer would, it patrols the premises and gives situational reports as it is built with intelligence to capture scenes and transmit live video to a controlling station using several cameras equipped with sensors and advanced image recognition technology to distinguish humans from objects, spot suspicious persons and unattended luggage.
The inbuilt 3D LiDAR sensor enables the robot to position itself to avoid collisions. Cocobo is able to spin its head 360 degrees, generating 3D maps of its surroundings, aiding it to capture blind spots that conventional CCTV cameras may not be able to detect.
The intelligent camera feature enables Cocobo to be vigilant in its patrol exercise. The security robot moves at a maximum speed of 6km/h, even on rough surfaces. But just like any other tech machine, it is powered electrically and has a battery life of 3 hours.
Cocobo can automatically return to the station or seek available charging ports for recharge when its battery is low and still continue its security operation while charging. Even in rainy seasons, it functions as usual because it has a waterproof body.
The security robot is designed to give audio and visual warnings to defaulters and can access the security system, which enables it to send information during its operation. The security robot sends details about the elevator, electric locks and other facilities.
Japan is one of many countries that have employed the use of security robots. Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, has recorded the use of autonomous patrol robots that use the same technology as Cocobo.
Last year, a man lay drunk on the street of Seoul, and the patrol robot wheeled to him and tried to wake him up. “Sir, it’s dangerous if you sleep here. Let me help you get home safely.” The robot then signaled the central station, and the police took the intoxicated man. The security robot also responds to sounds like “Help me!” and checks if it is an emergency.
This has well proven that security robot is effective for continuous surveillance operations. However, with the emergence of security robots, when likely is it coming to Africa? Can security robots address the issue of insecurity in Africa ?
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Photo By SEQ SENSE
