“Knightscope K5” by Knightscope (2015)

The Knightscope K5 is an autonomous robot designed to function as a mobile detection and alarm system. Created to monitor and control action in the public sphere, Knightscope is marketed as a high-end security system with a “commanding but friendly physical security presence.”

The K5 gathers and transmits data, comparing its inputs in real time to “existing business, government and crowdsourced social data sets to determine if there is a concern or threat in the area.”

According to Knightscope’s website, “unauthorized attempts to relocate (i.e., kidnap) or tamper with a machine will result in a red alert at the KSOC and an ear piercing audible alarm at the machine. And all such events will be preserved in stunning high definition video for evidence.”