Council Approves Addition of Autonomous Robots to Enhance Airport Security
San Antonio International Airport is set to introduce a new member to its security team in the form of an autonomous security robot known as the K5. The robot, produced by California-based company Knightscope, will respond to alarms at improperly opened doors in secure areas of the airport. The San Antonio City Council recently voted 7-3 in favor of a trial contract subscription to the robot, costing $21,000 per year.
The K5 robot stands at 5 foot 4 inches tall, weighs 420 pounds, and can travel at a speed of 3 miles per hour. It is equipped with eye-level 360-degree video streaming, thermal anomaly detection, and license plate recognition. The contract with Knightscope can be terminated at any time.
San Antonio Director of Airports Jesus Saenz Jr. informed the council that the K5 will begin work within the next two months. It will be used solely in secure, non-public indoor areas and not for surveillance purposes. Mr. Saenz Jr. explained that the airport frequently experiences staff tripping alarms connected to doors, which requires a response in accordance with federal regulations. The K5 will be positioned near frequently triggered alarmed doors to respond and record incidents through its cameras. An airport employee in the command center will then make the decision on the appropriate response.
Mr. Saenz Jr. believes that utilizing the K5 will make the airport more efficient and effective, as employees will no longer need to be stationed at spots where alarmed doors are frequently triggered. Additionally, the presence of the robot may deter unauthorized individuals from attempting to access restricted areas.
Initially, the robot will have another employee as its handler. Council member Cabello Havrda expressed support for the pilot program, stating that the airport is an ideal place for technological innovations.
However, not all council members were in favor of employing the K5. Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Teri Castillo voted against the contract due to concerns about privacy and job replacement. McKee-Rodriguez raised concerns about future surveillance possibilities and the collection and storage of data that could pose a privacy threat. Castillo worries that robot development could replace the jobs of other airport employees.
Mr. Saenz Jr. reassured council members that the K5 would not impact employees and would only supplement the existing security measures in place at the airport. He emphasized that the robot is intended to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and response time.
Despite these assurances, McKee-Rodriguez expressed wider concerns about the use of autonomous robots in society, citing worries about privacy and racial profiling. He believes that the adoption of such robots opens a door that should remain closed.
It is worth noting that other cities across the United States have purchased Knightscope devices with the aim of being innovative, but many have found them ineffective or even dangerous, leading them to terminate their contracts.
One incident in 2016 raised questions about the competency of Knightscope robots. A K5 robot patrolling the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California collided with a 16-month old boy, resulting in a scrape and minor swelling. Knightscope referred to this incident as a “freakish accident” and issued an apology to the family.
In conclusion, San Antonio International Airport is set to enhance its security measures with the addition of the K5 autonomous security robot. While some council members have concerns about privacy and job replacement, others see the robot as a way to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The trial period will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the K5 in enhancing airport security.
