Crime-fighting robots are now being marketed to the federal government if they don’t drown themselves first.
Knightscope, makers of the now infamous fountain-slipping security bot “Steve,” is pushing its K5 and two other models to the federal government.
“This is our first foray into the federal space,” said Stacy Stephens, the head of Knightscope’s sales and marketing. “I think in the coming year you’re going to see a lot of these popping up in a bunch of different places.”
The office security bot that took a swim is back with a vengeance. @iKnightscope now hopes the federal government will buy. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/LD4khH1eMt
— Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) October 25, 2017
Government property—which covers nearly a third of the district—could be a perfect extension of Knightscope’s now routine patrols of malls and offices. Reporters were invited to check out the indoor, outdoor, and stationary models during a two-day open house.
“All of these sensors are out looking for something that's just not right,” said Stephens. The robot “then alerts a human being by saying ‘hey, you might want to look at this.”
Some reports say the robots can cost as much as a luxury car. The most advanced models can detect radiation and even concealed weapons.
