A company has rolled out its latest security guard solution - cute AI robots on wheels.<br /><br />The Ascento Guard, which resembles a robo-sidekick from an 80s TV show, is designed to patrol buildings "to detect bad actors or unwanted people".<br /><br />Swiss firm Ascento this month announced the launch of the autonomous outdoor security patrolling robot, as well as a £3.5m ($4.3m) funding round.<br /><br />The small guard features large wheels and two eye-like cameras, which give it a quirky appearance.<br /><br />The bots are designed to navigate any outdoor terrains with "agility and stability", even staying stable while bouncing down stairs.<br /><br />Ascento say: "They are already being deployed on large industrial sites and have covered over 3,000 km for outdoor security since early this year."<br /><br />The company add that customers include large outdoor warehouses, industrial manufacturing and pharma campus, among others.<br /><br />The robot can verify perimeter integrity, check that doors and windows are closed, record property lights, identify floods and fires, and control parking lots.<br /><br />They can move at walking speed (4.5km/h) and come with autonomous charging such that the system can be continuously in operation without human intervention.<br /><br />Ascento believe that labour shortages have affected the security industry, which means companies are struggling to fulfill contractual obligations or sign new business.<br /><br />The firm claim the Ascento Guard helps address the issue, and can be installed and deployed within a few hours, allowing companies to save "from day one" and adapt fast to their current security needs. <br /><br />Alessandro Morra, co-founder and CEO of Ascento, commented: "The new Ascento Guard offers hope and a breath of fresh air for the security industry facing some pressing challenges.<br /><br />"By supporting human security personnel with the Ascento Guard, security companies can offer a lean solution through which Ascento does the heavy lifting allowing humans to focus on the unique nuances of the work."
