Our Neighborhood Safety Keeper is a 'Robot'... Patrol Robots Emerging

SK Shielders, University, Apartment, and Logistics Center Adoption Planned
Robot Startup Also Entering Market

#. Located in Busan, the National Pukyong National University campus is patrolled 24/7 by a robot. About the height of an adult's knee, it moves on four wheels and is equipped with an AI CCTV on its head. This patrol robot was jointly developed by security company SK Shieldus and autonomous driving robot startup Newbility. The robot autonomously patrols designated areas such as the library and the university headquarters.

#. In the Risence Apartment complex in Jamsil, Seoul, robots also perform patrol duties. Equipped with red and blue flashing lights, this robot moves through every corner of the large complex housing over 5,000 households. While residents walk by and sometimes children on bicycles curiously follow behind, the patrol robot swiftly navigates around obstacles.

A patrol robot is roaming around the campus of National Pukyong University.

The deployment of autonomous patrol robots is expanding. Although still in the early stages of market formation, the service areas for patrol robots have broadened from university campuses and parks to apartments and multi-family housing. Since robots began patrolling, it has become possible to cover CCTV blind spots, making campuses and apartment complexes safer. Robot startups are also developing related technologies, and new patrol robots are expected to emerge one after another.

On the 7th, SK Shieldus announced that it is discussing the introduction of patrol robots at multiple university campuses, apartment complexes, and logistics centers. SK Shieldus has been operating patrol robots at Pukyong National University since April this year and started supplying patrol robots for multi-family housing in partnership with building management company KB Aju from May. Additionally, it has signed a business agreement with HDC Hyundai Development Company to establish an integrated apartment security system and is discussing the introduction of patrol robots in new I-Park complexes. The first case of introduction is expected within the second half of the year.

Currently, SK Shieldus is promoting this business by equipping Newbility’s autonomous driving robots with its own security technology. The AI CCTV mounted on the robot accurately distinguishes various objects such as people and vehicles, and if it detects suspicious individuals or emergency situations, it issues warning broadcasts on-site or coordinates with the control center for response. It can also analyze abnormal behaviors such as sudden collapses. SK Shieldus is also considering developing functions to detect illegal parking, unauthorized garbage dumping, and more in real time. The robot can also serve as a guide robot to inform about no-smoking zones or restricted areas. An SK Shieldus official said, "We will implement autonomous patrol robots customized for multi-family housing by utilizing accumulated security data."

'Patrover' is patrolling Olympic Park.

Robot startups are also entering the patrol robot market. The AI patrol robot "Patrover," created by Dogu Space, has been deployed at the Peace Gate Plaza in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. This robot is equipped with four cameras, ultrasonic sensors, 3D LiDAR, 2D LiDAR, and security AI technology, enabling it to autonomously patrol walking paths while detecting fires, collapses, abnormal sounds, and alerting the control system. Dogu Space’s patrol robots are also operating in Daegu Seongseo Industrial Complex and Samick THK, and are scheduled to be deployed at Jeonnam National University and Daejeon Dong-A Pencil sites.

ING Robotics developed the patrol robot "Roy the Patrol." It performs real-time patrol missions in industrial complexes, commercial facilities, and residential areas. Using its self-developed cameras, it observes various situations, stores the information, and transmits it to the control system in real time when important incidents occur. The company is also developing robots using bulletproof special materials capable of responding to firearm incidents, targeting the global market. An industry insider said, "Patrol robots are increasing in demand as they can reduce labor costs at deployment sites and improve operational efficiency," adding, "through cooperation with global security companies, the possibility of overseas expansion is also high."