Technology
Do the robot: Kansai Airport’s new autonomous security
Noted for staying one step ahead when it comes to technology, Japan has incorporated new, exciting technology into its Kansai Airport: an autonomous security robot. Frankie Youd profiles the new robot and talks to those involved with its launch.
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Once thought of as a futuristic invention which many of us would never see in our day-to-day lives, the inclusion of robots in aviation – as well as many other sectors – is here and now. From assisting with passenger check-in, temperature testing, or security, robots have become a more common sight in airports around the world over the last few years.
Launched on 25 October, Kansai Airport’s two security robots will autonomously navigate and patrol routes, use a laser sensor to identify their locations, and capture images with built-in cameras. Once the robots have finished their patrol, they have been programmed to stop and stand guard at a designated position.
The robots are currently located at Terminal 2 of Kansai Airport, as well as at the airport’s railway station.
How does it work?
Developed by Japanese security company Secom, the robots stand 123cm tall by 84cm wide, and weigh approximately 230kg. With a maximum speed of 4km/h and a continuous operating time of around 3 hours, these robots aren’t designed to participate in high-speed chases but they have several built-in features that can raise the alarm should there be a security breach.
Each robot has a built-in laser sensor, 360-degree camera, ultrasonic sensor, bumper sensor, warning functions, warning lamp, and warning voice. The built-in laser sensor allows the robot to identify its location, allowing for 100% autonomous navigation around the airport terminal.
While on patrol, the robot uses built-in cameras to capture images of passengers and surrounding locations. Junichi Takahashi, manager, Kansai Airports operation centre, explains: “The robot follows multiple pre-mapped patrol routes and patrols with motion sensors, while avoiding collisions with passengers and facilities.”
After the robot has patrolled its programmed location it stops at its designated position, continuing to carry out location monitoring.
The SECOM autonomous robots patrol terminals on pre-programmed routes. Credit: Kansai Airports
If while on patrol the robot identifies a security breach, a remote voice alert takes place, Takahashi explains: “If a security breach is identified then a remote voice alert is given from the monitoring room through the robot. If necessary, security guards will rush to the scene and respond.”
This is not the first time that the airport will include robotic workers on site. In May this year, the airport deployed PCR robotic testing systems to assist with Covid-19 protocol.
Developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the robotic system can process up to 2,500 passenger samples in 16 hours. Alongside this, the robot can complete rapid testing within 80 minutes. Through automated operations, the robot uses real-time PCR testing methods to provide precise and constant mass testing for the airport.
Alongside this, Secom has also been carrying out robotic deployment at various other airports, such as Narita International Airport, where a similar robot was deployed. Shohei Nakagawa, public relations department, Secom, explains: “Each of the robots is equipped with an arm, with built-in infrared sensors, thermal image sensors, and a metal detection device, enabling it to inspect unattended objects and garbage cans placed along the route.
“Furthermore, Secom is aiming to realise the implementation of 'cocobo', a new security robot that uses AI and 5G to conduct operations, such as patrol and inspection, instead of security guards.”
Are robots better than people?
With Kansai Airport processing over 31.9 million passengers in 2019, a 10.2% increase compared to 2018, the airport acts as the gateway to the Kansai region in Western Japan. The airport is one of the largest passenger hubs in the region for domestic and international routes with 24-hour operations. With this in mind, it is crucial to the airport’s overall running that security is maintained at all times, not only for passenger safety but also for staff.
Although the airport has a security team, the introduction of the robots provides the airport with an extra layer of security. The robots allow for increased precision, power, and effectiveness for tasks, as well as increased safety when operating in hazardous areas, and can continue to operate without rest while carrying out repetitive tasks that humans may grow tired of.
Takahashi expands: “Robots do what they can, and humans perform more advanced security. This enables efficient security at large airports. We also believe that introducing security robots at airports that require a wide range of security will lead to labour savings and improve the efficiency of security operations.”
Alongside labour saving, the robots also offer another benefit in a key area for airports at the moment: Covid-19. The introduction of robots decreases the possible risk of infection around the airport, by reducing the amount of contact between passengers and security guards.
Using robotics not only improves service quality of security operation but also leads to increased efficiency and labour-savings.
“By introducing robots, it is possible to reduce the risk of infection including Covid-19,” Takahashi says.
Speaking on the benefits of using robots, Nakagawa says: “In Japan, personnel costs are rising as the working population is declining. In extremely large sites, such as airports, an immense amount of manpower has been required to provide security 24/7. However, using robotics not only improves service quality of security operations but also leads to increased efficiency and labour-savings.
“To cover all the dead spots at an airport, a large number of fixed surveillance cameras are required. On the other hand, robots can travel around the premises according to their predetermined route, including specific priority points, which can realise monitoring without fail. Thus, the robot can improve the quality of service as well as reduce the cost, compared with the case of installing multiple surveillance cameras.”
The robots are also useful when it comes to recording audio and video, which can later be used as evidence when investigating crimes. Compared to CCTV, where cameras are locked in fixed locations, the robots can move and track security breaches, allowing greater control when it comes to recording specific targets.
With the robotic deployment being a success at the airport so far, according to Kansai Airport, it is safe to say that more robots may be on their way to Kansai Airport soon to help with various tasks and passenger assistance.
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