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Mobile robots vs fixed security cameras

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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