Robots will soon patrol shopping malls n Dubai. The new security robots have some distinct advantages over human guards for example they never fall asleep.
In a mechanical upgrade robotics security "guards" could soon be watching our car parks or other areas that require non stop surveillance.
Dastek Security Robot or DSR is being introduced by a South Korean company. DSR-2 which is creator promises will be more sincere than its human counterparts will act smartly as a security guard to protect sensitive areas from break ins.
Many visitors at the robot's recently concluded local exhibition were impressed with the robots possibilities and were taken to ask for details about its operation and cost.
"The security industry in the UAE can effectively utilize a robot which is cute new here. Advanced robots can improve the security service," says Suresh Kumar S Nair, head of the security division for East Coast Security Services.
Nair a security experts who has studied criminology in the United Kingdom, the UAE and
Indian said, "A robot cannot replace a security guard but in some areas where human weakness hinder effective security practices, it will be welcomed.
"While a human guard can sleep, be influenced or bribed, a robot can overcome these negative weakness. All over the world the concept of security is changing. Robots can supplement the human guards but cannot replace them," he added.
The DSR-2 can move on its own using small wheels and is vigilant of its environment. The machine, weighing 10 to 15 kilograms with a rotating light and a video camera that can be mounted on tap can move around a prescribed area at a speed of four metres per second (14.4km per hour).
Working with a DC 24 V lithium polymer electric cell, its maximum operating time is six hours.
"It can guard pre defined territory of up to 25 metres or more. Be it a shopping mall, bank or factory premises where human guards are not required, the mini surveillance robot can make regular rounds and sense the presence of human beings,' says Hwang Hyung Jei, president of Dastek which is currently selling DSR-2 models to shopping malls in Dubai.
"If the robot spots unexpected human beings within its defined duty area the robot security guard will promptly send an alert to his 'masters' or the control room. It can detect human beings within a distance of two metres to 25 metres and get a 360 degree angle of view, "Hwang noted.
Costing Dh22,000 per robot the machine is already used in discount marts, offices, galleries, museums and warehouses in South Korea.
With the help of a built in network and wireless technology the robot users can remotely review and monitor security DSR-2 can also be instructed remotely.
"If any smart thieves are thinking of kidnapping the costly robot security guard itself it will not be an easy task.
DSR-2 will send out an alarm to the security office including high resolution video images of the encounter," Hwang added.
Some guard robots are even armed with non fatal offensive weapons such as a fluorescent paint ball gun and the capacity to spray a cloud of mist to temporarily blind intruders.
By VM Sathish
© Emirates Today 2007
