San Antonio International Airport in Texas is taking a significant step in enhancing its security operations by introducing a 420-pound autonomous robot, built by California-based Knightscope. The 5-foot-4-inch K5 robot, which is set to be rolled out within the next couple of months, is designed to monitor the airport’s security and respond to potential threats. Equipped with a 360-degree camera and multiple microphones, K5 can survey its surroundings with ease, capturing every detail.
K5’s primary function will be to keep an eye on doors in parts of the airport that are not accessible to the public. These doors are protected by alarms that sound when they are opened accidentally or inappropriately. The robot will then check the badge of the individual opening the door, verifying their access permissions, and transmit the information to airport security personnel. This information will enable them to take swift and appropriate action.
The deployment of K5 has, however, raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, and racial profiling among some members of the public. Local City Council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, who voted against the robot’s deployment, expressed his concerns, saying that the robot’s presence “raises concerns about privacy, surveillance, and racial profiling … That’s a foundational concern I have with these types of robots and devices.”
San Antonio Airport to Enhance Security with Autonomous K5 Robot Amid Privacy Concerns
In response to these concerns, San Antonio Director of Airports Jesus Saenz Jr assured the public that K5 will not be used for surveillance purposes. He emphasized that the robot is a response to door alarms that occur at the airport and is designed to assist security personnel in responding to these concerns.
Knightscope’s K5 had previously been deployed in a trial run in New York City, where it patrolled the Times Square subway station. However, the robot was forced to be chaperoned by human officers due to some passers-by attempting to abuse it. The trial ultimately lasted less than a year before the robot was left gathering dust in an empty storefront.
Now, the K5 robot is set to make its debut at San Antonio International Airport, where it aims to improve security operations and respond to potential threats. Despite the concerns surrounding its deployment, the airport is confident that K5 will be an effective tool in ensuring the safety and security of its passengers.
