Enhancing the role of safety and security officers in the era of the GR100 patrol robot

Robot de surveillance site industriel oil and gas

In a world where technology is interfering in every aspect of our daily lives, private security and safety are no exception to this revolution. At the same time, the missions of security officers and firefighters have evolved, moving from a deterrent physical presence to a more strategic and proactive role… yet their functions are still not highly valued…

According to the Barometer of Security Engineers and Managers 2023, making better use of safety and security functions and better management of human and remote surveillance missions are among the priority projects for managers.

In response to these challenges, we believe that the autonomous nature of the GR100 patrol robot redefines the scope of these missions, offering an innovative complement rather than a simple replacement.

1. Surveillance redefined: using artificial intelligence to be proactive

One of the most important aspects of the role of security officers is the constant surveillance of facilities. Traditionally, this task has fallen entirely on the shoulders of human security guards. However, the GR100, equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, HD cameras and sophisticated artificial intelligence, takes on this role with formidable efficiency. By relieving human guards of the monotonous task of continuous surveillance, the roving robot frees up their potential for more complex missions requiring in-depth analysis.

The real added value lies in the GR100’s ability to collect and analyse data autonomously and in real time. This advanced technology gives security officers an in-depth understanding of behaviour patterns, trends and anomalies. As a result, their remit evolves towards a proactive approach, anticipating potential threats rather than simply reacting to incidents that are already underway.

Optimising safety missions:
  • Person detection with HD and thermal imaging cameras
  • Cover a surveillance perimeter in parallel with that of the agents
  • Automatic rounds day and night, whatever the weather conditions
  • Alert the monitoring station only in the event of detection
  • Quickly remove any doubt by sending the robot to a precise location (a simple click on the map is all it takes)
  • Deter intruders thanks to the robot’s two-way communication (camera, microphone and built-in speakers)
Exemple

The robot detects unauthorised number plates in a car park. If there is an unauthorised vehicle in the area, the agent receives an alert by text message and/or email.

The agent can then go directly to the site or consult the Running Brains Operations Center to ensure that there are no intruders in the area, based on the shots taken. The agent can also take control of the robot and send it to a specific point to remotely check for intruders.
Note that the robot only alerts if an anomaly is detected. Otherwise, the operator does not need to monitor what the robot is doing.

2. Emergency management and new perspectives for firefighters and operators

Another crucial aspect of the role of security officers is the management of emergency situations. Whether faced with a fire, an intrusion or any other critical incident, responsiveness is essential. The GR100, with features such as fire detection and real-time communication with response teams, speeds up the management of these situations considerably. Security managers can coordinate the actions of human agents and robots more effectively, guaranteeing a rapid, coordinated response.

At the same time, firefighters, key players in safety, are also seeing their mission evolve with the arrival of the GR100. They will be able to concentrate their efforts on specialised missions, such as training staff in emergency evacuation procedures, in-depth inspection of fire-fighting equipment and strategic planning to prevent risks.

In 2023, directors, managers, engineers, safety, and security officers and QHSE officers have widely expressed the following plans*:

  • Training first response teams
  • Implementing or updating an operational fire defence plan
  • Training second intervention teams
  • Upgrading safety and security missions
Optimising safety and predictive maintenance missions
  • Detect anomalies: temperature too high, fire, gas leak, liquid leak, missing object, gate open or closed, etc.
  • Reduce intervention and preventive maintenance times
  • Take automatic, regular and precise measurements of the various sensitive points defined upstream (electricity meter, gauge, gas pipe, etc.).
  • Use precise, qualified data to facilitate predictive maintenance and anticipate industrial risks directly on the robot’s Operations Centre
Exemple

The robot detects a gas leak using its sensor and alerts the safety officer and/or operators. The safety officer consults the Running Brains Operations Centre to assess the extent of the leak. He can then react quickly by requesting maintenance, before it causes a serious incident.

Robot de surveillance professionnel GR100 sur site recyclage suez

3. Human-Robot Balance: strengthening its on-site presence with the GR100

Surveillance robot technology enhances the workforce. It allows human agents to focus on complex tasks requiring human and emotional understanding, while the GR100 excels at data rigour and repetitive tasks.

The relational aspect of security should not be neglected. Security officers are often at the forefront of establishing a reassuring presence and building a climate of trust within a community or company. The GR100, although devoid of emotion, can be used strategically to reinforce this presence. Operators can use their expertise for more complex interactions, while leaving the robot to patrol constantly and tirelessly.

The transition to widespread use of the GR100 is not without its challenges. Security officers must adapt to this new dynamic, acquire skills in managing technology, and learn to work synergistically with autonomous robots. Companies and organisations investing in this transition must also ensure that they integrate these technologies seamlessly, avoiding any sense of replacement or dehumanisation.

Successful integration of GR100 robots requires appropriate training for staff, adaptation of operational procedures and, above all, integration into an overall security plan to ensure smooth collaboration between the robots and the security teams.

The introduction of the autonomous roundup robot, embodied by the GR100, is revolutionising the mission of security officers. Rather than relegating them to a secondary role, this advanced technology elevates their contribution by offloading monotonous tasks, enabling proactive data analysis and redefining their role in managing emergency situations. And to make matters worse, it’s Made in France!
 The value of security officers now lies in their ability to take advantage of this technology to create safer and more efficient environments. Human and machine working together to meet the complex challenges of private security.

CHECKLIST
5 prerequisites for integrating the GR100 robot into your safety strategy

*Source : Baromètre des ingénieurs et chargés de la sécurité 2023, CNPP

Alix OUDIN
Alix Oudin

Head of Marketing & Communication at Running Brains Robotics

Share the post