What's 5-feet-tall, 300 pounds, and looks like a cross between R2-D2 and Eva from Wall-E? New robot security guards roaming around Microsoft's Silicon Valley campus last week. They're not taking over human jobs just yet, though. They were just part of a Tech in Motion Silicon Valley event called "Rise of the Robots."
Five such robots were there, PC Magazine reports. Named K5, these Knightscope security guards run artificial intelligence software and come with cameras, sensors, and alarms. They're built to both detect intruders and get help for people in danger. All while having a "friendly but commanding physical presence" — whatever that means.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
All My Sons: ‘epic and timeless’ theatre starring Bryan CranstonThe Week Recommends Ivo van Hove’s production of Arthur Miller’s classic play assumes the ‘grim yet towering momentum’ of a Greek tragedy
-
What’s the best way to use your year-end bonus?the explainer Pay down debt, add it to an emergency fund or put it toward retirement
-
10 concert tours to see this winterThe Week Recommends Keep cozy this winter with a series of concerts from big-name artists
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
