The Ascento Guard: A Playful Approach to Security Patrol

This innovative robot aims to make perimeter surveillance more approachable and friendly, adding a touch of charm to security enforcement.

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While many companies worldwide offer robotic security guards for various places and events, Ascento stands out as the unique one with robots that actually have expressive eyebrows.

Recently, on September 12, this Swiss-based startup introduced its latest creation, the Ascento Guard. This autonomous outdoor security robot puts a delightful and cartoonish twist on the typical security patrols, making it a charming addition to the world of security enforcement.

While many companies worldwide offer robotic security guards for various places and events, Ascento stands out as the unique one with robots that actually have expressive eyebrows. Recently, on September 12, this Swiss-based startup introduced its latest creation, the Ascento Guard.

This autonomous outdoor security robot puts a delightful and cartoonish twist on the typical security patrols, making it a charming addition to the world of security enforcement.

The Ascento Guard robot has some interesting features. Its main body has two circular “eye” shapes that can blink, and it also has rectangular, orange hazard lights that act like eyebrows. When the robot is charging, its eyes appear to be “closed” to make it look like it’s sleeping, but they open when it’s on patrol duty.

One of the most distinctive features is its unique “wheel-leg” setup, which gives it the ability to move precisely across different types of terrain. The company has showcased videos demonstrating the robot’s capabilities for patrolling large outdoor properties.

According to the company’s announcement, the Ascento Guard is already being used by various clients, including manufacturing facilities, data centers, pharmaceutical production centers, and warehouses. It seems to be gaining popularity for its versatility and unique design.

As per Alessandro Morra, the co-founder and CEO of Ascento, the security industry is grappling with a significant challenge – a yearly staff turnover rate that can reach as high as 47 percent.He pointed out that labor shortages result in a scarcity of qualified personnel who can work long shifts, especially during odd hours or in adverse weather conditions.

In the company’s announcement on September 12, Morra explained, “Traditionally, the options have been either relying on human security personnel or using fixed installed cameras. The Ascento Guard offers a unique solution that combines the strengths of both approaches.”

Setting up each Ascento Guard is a breeze, taking just a few hours before they become virtually self-sufficient through programmable patrol schedules. These all-weather robots are designed to patrol perimeters at a speed of around 2.8 mph.

They come equipped with thermal and infrared cameras to monitor for fires or break-ins.What’s more, these robots also feature onboard speakers and microphones, ensuring secure two-way communication.

Additionally, they have video cameras that can be used to “control parking lots,” as demonstrated in Ascento’s announcement, where an Ascento Guard is seen scanning car license plates.

While robot security guards are becoming more common, the Ascento Guard stands out with its human-like design, usually reserved for elderly care and assistance robots. This unique design approach aims to address potential public skepticism and alleviate concerns related to labor and privacy, which experts often express when it comes to automation technologies.

Ascento’s introduction of the Ascento Guard comes on the heels of a successful funding round, supported by industry leaders such as the European Space Agency incubator, ESA BIC, and Tim Kentley-Klay, the founder of Zoox, an autonomous taxi company. This financial backing underscores the growing interest and investment in innovative automation solutions like the Ascento Guard.

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