Effective and Efficient Options for Commercial and Public Property Surveillance
Author: Bern Grush
Date: September 1, 2024
Security of property, facilities and operations continues to grow in importance demanding both systems and staff for this essential purpose. Systems are expensive and in many places labor shortages are growing critical. What is the right balance of fixed and mobile security systems to support your security goals and staffing ability?
Mobile security robots and fixed security cameras each have their strengths and weaknesses. Their effectiveness depends on context, requirements, and budget.
Mobile Security Robots
Consider some of the key advantages of mobile security robots:
can provide dynamic coverage by patrolling and monitoring multiple areas
are adaptable and can move to unusual events or sounds
their physical presence may deter intruders more effectively
can be multi-functional by performing environmental monitoring or customer service tasks
can use advanced algorithms and AI capabilities for threat detection
can be set to alert human security personnel only when necessary, reducing the cognitive load (and hence error rates) for human operators
can be deployed to cover greater area with less human oversight
...and their disadvantages include:
typically more expensive to acquire than fixed camera systems
need down time for battery recharging ir swappable batteries
can potentially malfunction or get stuck
may miss events in one area while in another
Fixed Security Cameras
Here are some of the advantages of fixed security cameras:
constantly monitor specific areas 24/7
are generally cheaper to install and maintain
are wired in and have no downtime for charging
can cover multiple angles simultaneously with proper placement
are well-established technology with proven reliability
... and some of their disadvantages:
are static and cannot move to investigate suspicious activities
may have blind spots leaving areas uncovered
have reduced deterrent effect if intruders can find ways to avoid or disable them
cannot respond to events in real-time and require mobile staff response
require constant and reliable human attention to screens which can lead to fatigue and decreased attention—i.e., fixed security camera effectiveness is limited by human cognitive capacity to effectively monitor multiple feeds simultaneously
imply labor costs for 24/7 surveillance
Note that fixed camera systems are increasingly incorporating AI and computer vision to help address some of these issues such as be alerting human operators only when potential issues are detected. Nonetheless, mobile robots still have the edge in terms of autonomous response capabilities.
Integrated strategy
In many cases, a strategic combination of both technologies may be the most effective approach. Mobile robots can complement fixed cameras by:
patrolling areas between camera coverage
investigating suspicious activities detected by cameras
providing a visible security presence
offering additional services beyond surveillance
The potential for human and machine errors differs so that a strategy of using both can address a reduction in missed incident responses.
Ultimately, an integrated choice depends on factors such as:
size and layout of the facility
budget constraints
staff availability, capability and reliability
specific security risks and requirements
desired level of human interaction
integration with existing security systems
Consider engaging a security expert to assess your specific situation and determine an effective solution.
The role of the Urban Robotics Foundation
When mobile security robots operate in facilities during times when there are non-staff members of the public moving within the same facility (such as in an airport concourse, shopping mall or hospital), then such a device is a public-area mobile robot (PMR) and is subject to applicable standards or regulations. If you explore mobile security robots for such facilities, the standards and regulatory guidance that URF provides becomes critical to your deployment decisions.
To further explore this use case or other PMR issues, see our guidebooks or reach out to us directly at bern(at)urbanroboticsfoundation.org.
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