SEQUIM, Wash. — At over 5-and-a-half feet tall and 400 pounds, Rudy the autonomous robot roams around the business block of Center Park way in Sequim.
Security Services Northwest Inc. is trying out a new form of security.
"We wanted to find out exactly where the strong points were and where the weaknesses were," president of Security Services Northwest Joe D’Amico said.
The security robot from Knightscope Inc. is named after one of the Security Services service dogs, Rudy.
Rudy scans license plates, has 360-degree cameras and picks up any WiFi signal in the area. Its goal is to detect possible intruders and alert security dispatch.
It operates with two-way communication so the dispatch team can speak with someone pushing Rudy's alert button.
“We don’t think it’s a replacement for security officers, but we think it’s an enhancement,” D’Amico said.
However, D’Amico said it can cut down on the number of security officers needed. The robot can alert a security guard to check out a situation.
D’Amico said it costs around $20,000 to operate 24/7, but D’Amico said that can be about half the cost of officers.
Plus, he said it’s a reliable tool.
"It doesn't get sick. It doesn't fall asleep, and it doesn't ask for PTO," D’Amico said.
In the future, Security Services clients could request a robot for their private property.
"I envision it roaming city blocks, like in downtown Seattle, so these things can roam around and check all the local businesses," D’Amico said.
It’s possible privacy concerns and cost could limit the autonomous robot’s use in more public spaces, but the last few weeks Rudy’s been a welcome sight to other businesses on Center Park Way.
“It makes our girls feel safe that's for sure when they're opening up early, and it's dark outside," owner of Original Grinds Coffee Lindsey Forshaw said.
When its nightly guard is over, Rudy heads back home to recharge all on its own.