South Africa has a severe problem with crime, from violent farm attacks to factories being incapacitated for a few kgs of copper. The traditional way of securing assets at high risk is with human security guards.
Unfortunately human security guards are just that: human. Nobody is perfect but when high risk assets need to be secured, then error is not an option. Security Robots have a number of advantages over human guards:
If there are so many advantages to security robots, then why are security robots not everywhere? There are a number of reasons but the biggest reason is that security robots are new technology. Many people are scared of new technology or are reluctant to try new things.
South Africa is a nation of innovators, especially in security. From the well known Kreepy Krawly (automatic pool cleaner) to the fearsome G6 self-propelled howitzer, South Africa has shown how automation is done.
Farm security is difficult for many reasons:
Factory security can save huge delays and unnecessary costs. When it is absolutely imperative that a factory is protected, then there is one obvious choice: Sublethal Remote Guns. This is not the kind of solution you would use in a pre-school but if keeping your factory safe is a priority then the choice is clear.
It is difficult to talk about Mall security robots without mentioning KnightScope. This security robot moves around a mall recording video and is able to interact with people on a basic level. It might be bullet shaped but this robot is not intimidating.
This one is not going to stop armed criminals or even scare off a feral cat but it has some useful features. The appbot riley is cheap and fun.
For many years SMP robotics security robot has been operating security robots for patrolling perimeters, open spaces. Mine security is not very different from farm security in that the terrain is a major obstacle.