Security robotics and regulation

A couple weeks ago I wrote about PSA-TEC, PSA Security's annual training and education conference, which will take place in Westminster, Colo. May 9-13.

Kudos to PSA for being the first in the industry to take a close look at security robotics. PSA Security CEO Bill Bozeman is among those who believe security robotics will be “the next big thing” in security.

Courses at TEC will explore ground-based, aerial and marine robotics. You can check out the educational sessions here.

In many ways, this robotic technology is here. Drones are being used for surveillance by movie studios and on colleges campuses. And, systems integrator Northland Controls even has robots patrolling its parking lot in Fremont, Calif.

However, security robotics is in its nascent stage though, and the security industry has to figure out how to harness the technology more broadly, and in a way that makes business sense for end users and integrators.

Also, it's not clear at all how the government is going to regulate security robotics in general, and drones in particular. There's a bill in the U.S. Senate right now that would make drone regulation a federal responsibility. One thing for sure is that security robotics will be regulated. And, that makes sense. While drones may be safely used for surveillance in some areas, drones and other robotics may pose a risk in certain locations, such as airports. Questions of privacy will need to be addressed as well. Like it or not, some degree of regulation is inevitable and advisable.

The Security Industry Association is keeping an eye on this issue, and you should too. Jake Parker of SIA told me the “FAA is in the process of finalizing regulations that [drone] operators must follow and chances are this will evolve in the future.” He also noted that there are “significantly different requirements for law enforcement use versus private/commercial security.” He added that this topic will be discussed at SIA's June 17 Government Summit.

I'm looking forward to the security robotics educational sessions at PSA-TEC, and I'm also looking forward to seeing the robots and drones in Colorado. Bozeman says they'll be there.