Microsoft turns to robot guards to protect its Silicon Valley campus

[Jesus Malverde]

Microsoft is turning to robots to provide security for its Silicon Valley campus, according to a new report.

The software giant as become one of the first companies to use an autonomous robot security guard — called K5 — to keep ne’er-do-wells from causing trouble on the campus, according to ExtremeTech.

K5 is about the size of a human, and weighs in at 300 pounds. It is equipped with cameras, sensors, and alarms, along with some sophisticated artificial intelligence. This allows Microsoft to replace some human security patrols.

K5 is meant to alert security to intruders or other unwanted visitors, and does not carry any weaponry of any kind.

California company Knightscope built the robot, which is described as an “autonomous data machine” that commands authority yet also provides “a friendly physical presence.”

Inside the five-foot-tall container on wheels is four high-definition cameras facing in all directions, a camera that can scan license plates, four microphones, blaring alarms, weather sensors, and even WiFi connectivity that allows robots to contact headquarters if it encounters a situation. Its artificial intelligence is meant to allow it to distinguish between a benign gathering nearby and someone attempting to enter through a window.

http://dailydigestnews.com/2014/11/microsoft-turns-to-robot-guards-to-protect-its-silicon-valley-campus/

[Raul Hernandez]

1. Easy to disable them.

EMP blast them.... *kzzzzerrtt*

Read old Bastard from Hell stories....

[el_bryanto]

2. Exterminate! Exterminate! nt

[mikehiggins]

3. you are right! its the advent of the Daleks

Our only hope is Robocop!

[hedda_foil]

4. Funny how Dalek-like it looks.

I wonder if it can manage stairs.

[NBachers]

5. Does it vacuum the carpet as it rolls around?