U.S. Security Associates to showcase robots

ATLANTA—U.S. Security Associates (USA), a full-service safety and security solutions provider based here, has announced that it is the first private security company to be an authorized reseller of the Sharp INTELLOS Automated Unmanned Ground Vehicles, and will be hosting exclusive demonstration events across the U.S. this summer.

“In addition to acting as an additional deterrent for criminal activity, the real value new technologies like the Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV offers is mining site-specific data in areas inhospitable or too cumbersome for traditional officer patrols and providing insights, compliance and recommendations that maximize the 'Total Value to Protect,'" Richard L. Wyckoff, president and CEO of USA, said in the announcement.

He continued, "Robotics that enable data-driven technologies should be a key consideration when putting together a comprehensive security and safety program. Robotics and drones will increasingly play a major role in complementing a traditional officer force and USA intends to expand our capabilities to ensure leading edge technology is available to our customers."

The Sharp robots utilize a navigation surveillance platform to patrol predefined routes, extending the property coverage and impact of a traditional security force, according to the press release. In addition to standard information gathering tools, optional observation and sensor equipment is available, and is configurable to meet a customer's changing safety needs.

“U.S. Security Associates recognizes the value proposition of combining technology with manpower to maximize comprehensive security and safety for their clients," Cliff Quiroga, vice president of SRBD, said in the announcement. “Moreover, USA is eager to get the message to their current clients that 'robots love routine.' This value proposition extends to USA's frontline officers, who can now be liberated by the Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV of repetitive and at times dangerous tasks to focus on more intelligent-based work. Manpower working side-by-side with autonomous robotic technology helps mitigate risk for all involved.”

Jerry Yoakum, associate vice president of autonomous technology for U.S. Security Associates Inc., told Security Systems News that the cost-effective, multi-terrain, mobile sensor platform is part of U.S. Security's industry-exclusive P3 Technology Platform, and is being offered to work in conjunction with USA's highly skilled officer force to provide an additional layer of security and safety coverage.

“P3 focuses on three areas—the mobile or connected officer, remote monitoring capability (i.e., cameras, etc.), and robotics,” he explained. “The whole motto within the company right now is a smart officer force connected with a wise data force equals better outcomes for our customers.”

The summer tour, which begins July 18 in the company's backyard here, includes stops in Houston, July 25; Dallas, July 27; San Francisco, July 20; Los Angeles, Aug. 1; San Diego, Aug. 3; Indianapolis, Aug. 9; and Seattle, Aug. 10.

“We picked some major cities not only from the standpoint that they are a potential launch point, but also because they fit within some of the prime locations of our existing client base,” said Yoakum. “Part of the tour is actually having a live demonstration of the robot out doing a typical patrol tour and showing all of the features to the guests. And, of course, a tour inside of the mobile commend vehicle, so they can not only see the robot operating but also behind the scenes—how the command and control software works and how the security officer interfaces with the robot, for example.”

He noted that the robots have great potential within security and are already proving they belong.

“Use cases that we have for the robotic devices includes outdoor perimeter patrol, access control areas, parking lot patrol, areas that require virtual escort,” he explained. “The product is robust and Sharp Electronics has been around more than 100 years. We have had a robot deployed at a client site in New Jersey since January and it went through two nor'easters, some major snow storms and has never failed to perform.”

U.S. Security Associates employs more than 50,000 security professionals serving several thousand clients nationwide.