Microsoft HQ took robot security guards for a spin last week

Microsoft HQ took robot security guards for a spin last week
(Image credit: Buzz60/Screenshot)

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.

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Julie Kliegman

Julie Kliegman is a freelance writer based in New York. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Vox, Mental Floss, Paste, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact. Her cats can do somersaults.