Security Robots Start Riding Elevators

A robotics startup has teamed with Otis so that autonomous security robots can call and ride Otis elevators.

Under the collaboration, Cobalt Robotics is providing Otis guarding robots while Otis provides its interface to allow the robots to connect to its elevator systems, increasing the robots’ response time and ease of mobility.

Cobalt’s Guarding Service robots feature more than 60 sensors including day-to-night and thermal cameras and lidar sensors, as well as autonomous navigation capabilities to monitor and identify potential threats around a corporate or commercial space.

The autonomous guards had been limited in their travel around the building. With the latest integration, they can connect to elevators via the cloud and expand their coverage to multiple floors.

The announcement marks an expansion of Otis and Cobalt Robotics’ collaboration, which began in 2020.

“Our relationship with Otis continues to bring the power of AI-backed security solutions throughout the world,” said Mike LeBlanc, president and chief operating officer of Cobalt Robotics. “By integrating seamlessly into buildings with Otis elevators, our robots are able to cover more square footage than any other security robots.”

The companies say the move comes as increasing numbers of businesses turn to robotics for operational needs, responding to labor shortages and increased demand for safety and security.