|
Listen to this article
 |
The ROAMEO Gen 4 autonomous security robot is equipped with an array of sensors that enable it to patrol remote areas of a facility. | Credit AITX RAD
Robotic Assistance Devices Inc., or RAD, this month announced the specifications of the fourth generation of its ROAMEO wheeled security robot. The Ferndale, Mich.-based company also today celebrated the deployment of 1,000 devices.
RAD said that ROAMEO Gen 4 will provide security and concierge services with enhanced capabilities and artificial intelligence integration. The vehicle can autonomously patrol large corporate, college, and university campuses, stated the subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Inc. (AITX).
“The market for a robot like ROAMEO remains untapped, and based on our years serving this space, we are certain that it is a significantly large market,” said Steve Reinharz, chief technology officer and CEO of AITX and RAD.
“Having solved a myriad of technical challenges and deployed many earlier versions of ROAMEO, we are perfectly positioned to define and capture this market,” he added. “This is the cumulation of years of creation, testing, and perseverance. We are beyond thrilled with today’s big reveal and excited for what this robot will do for the industry and AITX.”
ROAMEO builds on previous models for faster ROI
RAD said it gained insights from deployments of ROAMEO 1.x and 2.x, as well as from work on the unreleased Version 3.x. The latest design includes fully autonomous recharging, as well as a software architecture built around AITX’s proprietary Autonomous Intelligent Response (AIR) technology.
Patrolling outdoor spaces can be tedious, expensive, and dangerous work, noted the company. It said the robot enables campus security teams to extend their presence and mission scope without expending additional resources.
“From an industry perspective, demand for ROAMEO is so strong because it addresses a significant pain point for these end users,” said Reinharz. “That’s why we’re seeing so much interest and unsolicited outreach to us.”
“ROAMEO can make a positive financial impact even with as few as 25 deployments,” he said. “We’ll be working to hit 100 deployments as soon as possible, forecasted by the end of 2026, and that will be quite remarkable. Looking ahead, we’re anticipating hundreds of units being deployed in the coming years, marking a major step forward in our growth, path to profitability, and continued innovation.”
RAD acknowledged delays in bringing ROAMEO to market, citing the need to shift priorities from other systems including stationary sensors. It has completed work on ROSA and RIO Gen 4, as well as AVA Gen 4. The company will initially integrate its AIR technology into RADCam, set to begin shipping in December. RAD will then roll it into all of its other systems and ROSS software.
New vehicle is taller to see over traffic
ROAMEO Gen 4 is the largest autonomous security device RAD said it has produced to date, and it is designed for high-visibility outdoor applications.
ROAMEO stands at a height of 6 ft., 9 in. (205.7 cm), width of 5 ft., 5 in. (165 cm), and length of 8 ft. 4 in. (254 cm). This is smaller than a midsize automobile but larger than the typical security golf cart. The taller robot has a clear line of sight over vehicles and people in high-traffic areas for both advanced detection and person/vehicle engagement, said RAD.
The vehicle weighs 1,609 lb. (729.8 kg) and delivers up to 16 hours of continuous run time, offering two-shift coverage on a single charge. With a ground clearance of up to 9.4 in. (23.8 cm) and four-wheel drive, ROAMEO can climb up to a 20% incline.
ROAMEO Gen 4 features lidar, radar, vision, microphones, and ultrasonic sensors. It sends data to an onsite command center in real time, alerting security staff to unusual situations.
ROAMEO Gen 4 is equipped with 215/45R17 wheels and tires, making transition to snow tires and or mud terrain tires quick and inexpensive, added RAD. The company claimed that ROAMEO Gen4 will be capable of SAE Level 5 autonomous operation in weather including rain and snowstorms.
The ROAMEO Gen 4 is tall enough so that its the sensors can see over most parked vehicles. | Credit: AITX RAD
RAD celebrates growth, expects more public safety demand
Robotic Assistance Devices today said that it has surpassed 1,000 deployed and contracted security devices as of late October.
“Reaching this 1,000-device milestone validates RAD’s role in transforming the security landscape,” said Reinharz. “Our clients are choosing RAD to address their most pressing security needs with efficiency and impact.”
The company said it anticipates a renewed commitment to public safety and security from federal, state, and local governments in the coming months. RAD asserted that it is prepared to support evolving government initiatives with responsive security systems that also offer cost savings.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in interest and opportunity from municipalities and regional jurisdictions looking for advanced security solutions that can meet their communities’ needs,” Reinharz added. “Our solutions provide an efficient approach that enhances security without the high costs traditionally associated with physical security measures. We’re committed to supporting these evolving public safety initiatives with technology that’s accessible, non-biased, and impactful.”
The company estimated that 250 deployed ROAMEO units could generate as much as $20 million in recurring revenue. RAD said it has a prospective sales pipeline of more than 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities.
Tell Us What You Think!