How AMRs Help Fight Crime

The latest robotics and sensor technology advancements have enhanced performance and refined human experience in multiple domains. Today healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and even households employ autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to automate tasks usually performed by humans.

With crime growing more and more sophisticated, security is an equally important concern for everyone. Fortunately, with improvements in wireless communication, AI, and sensors, robotics has entered security and surveillance in the form of drones and autonomous security robots. The global autonomous security market is projected to grow exponentially between 2020 to 2027. Various law enforcement agencies and emergency response forces have also invested in drones and drone software.

Robotics combined with security and surveillance will help us detect and repress unlawful activities in our localities much faster. Automation can help us keep down the number of human casualties that law enforcement officers often sustain during risky missions. A mechanical security guard wouldn’t require sleep, and it can stay constantly connected with an entire security system consisting of other similar guards, alarms, cameras, sensors, and surveillance systems.

AMR’s Potential in Security

An autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is a type of robot which does not rely on tracks or predefined paths. Instead, it can perceive the surroundings using sensors and navigate independently. AMRs are untethered from wired power and can function without being operated remotely by a person.

The emergence of autonomous security robots makes the costly 24/7 monitoring services more accessible for domestic use. These specifically designed AMRs are capable of patrolling and monitoring multiple turfs on land, air, and water.

Autonomous mobile robots help improve operational efficiency by enhancing speed, precision, and increasing safety while minimizing human efforts. Today, they are primarily used for military operations, but with further advancements, AMRs have the potential to make a significant impact on public safety in a domestic sense.

Some illustrations of what automated security robots are capable of doing include:

• Conducting domestic surveillance for neighborhoods and houses
• Delivering essential supplies for law enforcement or rescue purposes
• Providing 24/7 surveillance of events or zones, typically dangerous for humans
• Enabling 3D mapping for better visual analysis of accidents and natural disasters
• Monitoring prison yards to curb escape attempts
• Using sensors and cameras to detect suspicious activities locally
• Registering information and transmitting it to the authorities
• Scouting borders between states, nations, and localities
• Sharing communication between drones and security systems

AMRs leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and a sophisticated set of sensors to interpret and calculate their pathways. Equipped with cameras and sensors, they can quickly avoid the collision, slow down, stop or reroute around the obstacle to continue their task. Some commonly used sensors in these automated robots are highlighted below.

Sensors for Security Robots

Infrared (IR) Sensors

The primary use of IR sensors in robots is for obstacle avoidance. Their inherently fast response is suitable for enhancing the real-time operations of a mobile robot. IR sensors use light sensors to detect a selective light wavelength in the IR spectrum. If an object is close to the sensor, the light from the LED bounces back from the object onto the light sensor.

Microwave Sensors

A motion detecting microwave sensor uses microwaves and the Doppler radar to identify moving objects. Microwave motion detectors are highly sensitive to a variety of microwave-reflective objects, while the sensor readings are immune to temperature changes, humidity, dust, or light. Microwaves have an extensive detection range and velocity equivalent to the speed of light.

LiDAR Sensors

LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. The LiDAR sensor sends out a pulse of light and measures the time it takes to come back after bouncing off an object to quantify the distance. After bisecting the total amount of time and multiplying it by the speed of light, it can determine the distance to the object. LiDAR technology offers a high degree of accuracy and resolution along with a long range.

 

Get the Best of Sensor Tech for Your AMR Applications

Hokuyo offers a wide range of smart sensor technologies for automation projects. From collision avoidance sensors and obstacle detection scanners to LIDAR, we provide scalable and cost-effective sensing technology solutions to support your autonomous robotics applications.

Explore our range of sensor products or get in touch with us if you are looking for a tailored solution for your specialized applications.