New Security Industry Association Report Examines Opportunities in the Robotic Security Market

White paper produced exclusively for SIA members highlights how modern robotics can extend the capabilities of human security officers

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released a new report for SIA members examining the opportunities, benefits and reasons for growth presented by the robotic security market. Market Spotlight: Extending the Capabilities of Human Security Officers With Modern Robotics – produced exclusively for SIA by research firm IDC in partnership with SIA’s Autonomous Security Robotics Working Group – highlights the evolution of robotic technology, real-world scenarios for robotic security, these robots’ impact on the security market and more.

The report highlights the growing demand for robotic technologies in the security industry: IDC predicts that the security robotics market will grow worldwide at a compound annual rate of more than 20 percent over the next five years, and IDC research shows that security is a top use case for robotics, with more than 40 percent of respondents in a survey about planned uses for robotics indicating plans to use robots for security. This report highlights several factors driving innovation in the robotics market (and, therefore, interest and adoption in the security industry), including the evolution of technology and the ability for this technology to enhance the skills of human security officers.

“The most important point to consider is that security robots are not meant to replace humans in the security operation,” said John Santagate, research director at Service Robots and author of the report. “Rather, they are meant to take on certain tasks and greatly enhance the capabilities of human security operators.”

Santagate goes on to point out how robots can augment human officers, who have limitations in sensing and responding to their environments, due to their ability to see in the dark, pick up signaling and more; he argues that using robots for security can enable humans to monitor larger areas with less effort.

The report also highlights how robotic devices can serve as modular platforms – able to accommodate a variety of sensors and other features to strengthen their capabilities and configurable to meet a number of sensing requirements – and help harden “soft targets” like shopping malls and stadiums.

“With security robots’ advanced capabilities and flexibility, it is clear that robotic technology presents an opportunity to the security industry and to our members,” said Don Erickson, SIA’s CEO. “This new report shares powerful insights on how robotic technology can help transform the industry and help enterprises operate more efficiently, solve challenges and effectively protect facilities, public spaces and more.”

SIA’s Autonomous Security Robots Working Group brings together members of the security industry, end users, technology experts and other interested parties to promote best practices regarding the use of robots in security, develop research, offer guidance on legislative and regulatory matters and enhance communication and collaboration.

Read the full report here.

About SIA

SIA (securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with nearly 900 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA Government Summit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.