Security robots are starting to join the ranks of human guards [Video]

From New York to Hawaii, people can spot security robots equipped with a suite of sensors patrolling the perimeters of some residential communities and apartment buildings.

Security robots are rapidly becoming a viable complement to human security guards, sparking concerns about privacy issues and potential job losses in the security field. Critics are also raising questions about their effectiveness of keeping the public safe.

Showing their capability as a reliable security solution is tough – there is lack of public data to prove it. However, experts and manufacturers say their true strength lies in working alongside security officials with their advanced technologies.

Here’s what we know about security robots:

What can these robots do?

Security robots possess an array of tools that humans lack, making them unique partners to security systems:

• 360° high-definition video imaging and recording
• License plate recognition
• Signal detection for mobile devices
• Projecting and recording two-way audio
• Detecting motion and physical objects in front of the robot, and avoiding crash
• Environmental detection, …