The robotics startup, Ascento, has introduced its latest autonomous outdoor security patrolling robot, known as the Ascento Guard. This advanced security technology enables companies to reduce costs while enabling security service providers to fulfill a greater number of contracts.
Widespread labor shortages have impacted numerous industries worldwide, including the security sector. Many countries are grappling with a 52% shortage of security guards, causing companies to struggle in meeting contractual obligations and securing new business. To address this critical issue, Ascento, the robotics startup, has announced a $4.3 million funding round and the launch of the Ascento Guard.
This autonomous robotic device possesses the capability to identify suspicious individuals or intruders on premises, verify the integrity of perimeters, confirm the closure of doors and windows, monitor property lighting, detect floods and fires, and manage parking lots. Operating at a walking speed of 4.5 km/h, these robots feature autonomous charging systems, allowing continuous operation without human intervention.
The deployment of the Ascento Guard is swift, requiring only a few hours, offering immediate cost savings, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving security needs. Similar to hiring a human security guard, the Ascento Guard can be rented by the hour and includes deployment, 24/7 support, service, and repairs. The accompanying Ascento App utilizes AI to analyze video and images, integrates seamlessly with existing video management systems, offers end-to-end encrypted two-way communication, and provides comprehensive reports tailored to the preferences of security managers.
Ascento is renowned for developing advanced robotic systems, notable for their wheel-leg design, designed to navigate various outdoor terrains with agility and stability. These robots have already been deployed on large industrial sites, covering over 3,000 kilometers for outdoor security since the beginning of the year. Ascento’s clientele includes major outdoor warehouses, industrial manufacturing facilities, and pharmaceutical campuses, among others.
Alessandro Morra, co-founder and CEO of Ascento, emphasized the role of the Ascento Guard in alleviating challenges within the security industry, stating, “The new Ascento Guard offers hope and a breath of fresh air for the security industry facing some pressing challenges. By supporting human security personnel with the Ascento Guard, security companies can offer a lean solution through which Ascento does the heavy lifting, allowing humans to focus on the unique nuances of the work.”
The global security industry confronts mounting challenges, including labor shortages, long and demanding shifts, high staff turnover, and significant operating costs. Ascento aims to address these issues by providing a robotics-as-a-service solution to security companies.
Alessandro Morra further remarked, “Ascento is targeting the high operating costs the industry is enduring. The traditional approach is to use either people or fixed installed cameras. We know about the labor challenges, and the installation of cameras has a huge outlay that can be complex. The Ascento Guard provides the best of both worlds, with the resilience, reliability, and repeatability of technical solutions whilst being as flexible as human guards.”
Ascento was founded by Alessandro Morra (CEO), Miguel de la Iglesia Valls (CTO), Ciro Salzmann, and Dominik Mannhart (Software & Hardware). They combined their experience as security guards with the robotics technology they developed at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) during their student years.