Universal Protection Service launches autonomous robot service

July 8, 2016
Agreement with Knightscope Expands Enterprise Services for Universal Customers

SANTA ANA, Calif., July 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Protection Service—a division of Universal Services of America—today announced the launch of its new autonomous robot Machine as a Service offering for customers with Knightscope, a security technology company based in Mountain View, Calif. The companies will host a launch party featuring demonstrations, a factory tour and hospitality event July 28 in Mountain View. To RSVP, email [email protected]. For more information about the service, visit www.universalpro.com/robots.

Through this agreement, Knightscope's K5 and K3 robot models are immediately available to customers in Northern California and will become available in Southern California this September. A national rollout is set for 2017. Both models offer a physical presence as a strong crime deterrent, real-time video and audio, and a human interface. The K5 model is designed for outdoor applications such as parking lots and campuses, while the K3 is designed for indoor security at such facilities as office towers, warehouses, distribution centers and data centers.

"We are excited about the continued evolution of integrating various technology applications into uniformed security operations," said Ty Richmond, Universal Services of America President, Systems and Technology. "Customers require situational awareness to make informed decisions and autonomous mobile machines and devices provide another level of intelligence to accomplish that task. The partnership with Knightscope enables Universal to take an industry leading role in this new service arena."

Universal's autonomous robot Machine as a Service offering is all inclusive for customers. In addition, Universal security officers will be trained and certified to ensure seamless integration into existing security programs.

"Autonomous machines are purposely built for security programs seeking to increase threat management through the strategic integration of people, processes and technology," said Mark McCourt, Vice President, Enterprise Services for Universal Protection Service. "Robots are a real force multiplier by adding effectiveness and efficiency to security programs. Knightscope is the perfect partner for this new initiative."

William Santana Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Knightscope, Inc., said, "The world is going to change more in the next five years than the last 50 years combined.  Knightscope has built one of the most important technologies coming out of Silicon Valley and we are proud to be working in concert with Universal by integrating with existing security programs while providing new revolutionary capabilities to clients." 

Universal Protection Service is the largest U.S.-owned security company and the nation's primary security provider for commercial office and retail properties. As Universal expands its position in the industry, the company continues to provide clients with total security solutions, personalized customer service and unmatched exceptional value. The company serves a variety of industries in North America, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.