AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you’ve strolled around parts of Austin, you may have come across a robot watching you.
Daxbot, a compact three-foot-tall surveillance robot, has been deployed across select properties to enhance security. CTX Patrol Services, led by CEO Michael Fallon, partnered with the company Daxbot to deploy surveillance robots on Austin properties about a year ago.
Man charged with attempting to kidnap teen at Florida Circle K
“They’re a deterrent for mischief. People see them, they’re less likely to do certain things. But they’re also a helper,” Fallon said. “It’s not meant to be intimidating. It’s meant to be a de-escalation and just a friendly object that’s going to basically make things go a little smoother.”
According to security sales lead Mason Reeves at the company Daxbot, the robots are monitored by employees at their control center.
“They’re semi-autonomous, they are oftentimes going on their own—doing tasks on their own— but while we’re watching over them or even taking manual control over them, we have a direct line of video,” Reves said. “There’s a grid of nine or 12 screens on one larger screen [at the control center], and anytime the robot detects a person or an instance that needs to be looked at, the screen lights up.”
Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez speaks out after jail booking, hospital discharge
Fallon said there have been a couple instances in Austin already where the robot has alerted authorities on a safety risk or fire…