Recent studies show a high demand for security personnel, [Kurt Knutsson, The CyberGuy: Article, Jan 27, 2024] but a critical shortage in supply. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6.3% increase in security guard occupations over the next decade. This lack of interest likely stems from low pay – the average hourly salary is $17.49, with the 2022 median income at $34,750. The lowest earners make only $15 per hour.
Higher-end security jobs require specialized training, such as those for personal bodyguards or executive protection details. In these cases, retired or off-duty police officers, and even active or retired military personnel, often have the edge due to their prior training. The low salaries, coupled with limited opportunities for advancement, often discourage potential security professionals who cannot afford the necessary education and seek out other jobs.
The technology industry has made significant strides in recent years, with many companies opting for AI solutions instead of hiring human counterparts. We see this subtly in our daily lives, from self-checkout at grocery stores to ordering at fast food chains. The lack of personal interaction has slowly permeated our society. Today, ordering requires tapping options on a screen, essentially doing the legwork ourselves. Even payments have gone digital, with companies like Toast becoming popular for their payment processing apps. The ability to link information across stores, restaurants, bars, and social areas, racking up reward points, is undeniably tempting.
While this trend may seem unrelated to the security world, we might be on the cusp of AI interaction supplementing the human touch with cold, unfeeling robotic sidekicks. Preprogrammed security bots with the ability to calculate, access web and camera feeds, could be the future.
A newly designed, wheeled patrolling robot with functionalities potentially exceeding those of a human is now being marketed to those seeking to protect their assets and property. The Ascento Guard can detect trespassers and alert users, monitor parking lots and capture license plates, check property lights for outages, scan for thermal anomalies, detect flooding, and even verify if doors and windows are secure. These robots boast superhuman capabilities, allowing them to operate without the possibility of human error.
As with any technological equipment, these robots require routine maintenance and repairs. The costs associated with these can be significant. The makers of the Ascento Guard have stated that it "is not meant to replace human security guards but to complement them." When the robot detects an incident, it sends an alarm to the operator, who can then decide whether to dispatch a human guard to the site. This way, human guards can focus on critical situations, while the robot handles routine tasks.
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This new partnership in some security fields could be a win-win solution for companies seeking to maximize efficiency. The Ascento Guard can be rented hourly, just like a human security guard, and has autonomous charging capabilities, allowing for up to four hours of continuous operation without intervention. Functionality is controlled through a web interface and, unsurprisingly, a mobile app. The app allows users to map patrol routes, schedule patrols, and generate security reports. Additionally, the robot facilitates encrypted, two-way communication. By detecting patterns, the robot can, in a sense, "learn."
The Ascento Guard comes from a Zurich-based startup specializing in bipedal security robots. Robots like this have been tested and developed at various locations, including factories and warehouses.
While this innovation may propel the security field forward, it could also lead to a decline in demand for traditional, in-person security personnel. We've already seen this happen with self-checkout options replacing cashiers. While some technologically advanced personnel might be eager to replace their chatty human counterparts, this author is more interested in exploring the potential downsides of this situation rather than focusing solely on the benefits.
The human touch, in all its complexities, is a difficult, if not impossible, aspect to replicate or replace. Perhaps a balance can be achieved. However, I see many people prioritizing efficiency. In a world where convenience reigns supreme, technology will likely become king.
Do you think this new technology is beneficial to the security world?
If you needed security, would you be more or less likely to hire a security company if they had Ascento Guards?
