This past autumn, I wrote a story here on Smart City Sentinel regarding Verizon and its 5G-focused team-up with Vay Technology; the former’s high-performance, low-latency 5G connectivity is enhancing the latter’s electric vehicles, or EVs (specifically, teleoperated EVs). And I’ve said it before, but I’ll gladly say it again: Connectivity is truly the lifeblood of endeavors like these, and it must be done right. No two ways about it.
For this story, Verizon and its 5G connectivity have again appeared; this time, in service of much-needed public safety technology.
Let’s take a look:
Last week, Verizon Business announced its partnership with Knightscope, a developer of autonomous security robots (ASRs) and blue light emergency phones, towers and call boxes and more.
Some quick context: Launched in 2013, Knightscope was actually brought to life in response to events like 9/11, tragic shootings like Sandy Hook, the bombings in Boston and more. The company’s advanced ASRs can deter, detect and report critical threats in order to “keep dreams alive and help protect the good people of our communities,” as one Knightscope representative put it.
Together, Verizon Business will provide highly secure and reliable 5G connectivity for the deployment of Knightscope’s K5 security robots and its K1 emergency communication devices to significantly elevate safety at commercial and government facilities.
According to the official announcement, this collab “marks a significant advancement in autonomous security technology, with the K5 (powered by the Verizon network) now holding a Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, Moderate Authority to Operate, or ATO, designation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.” (That’s a key endorsement when it comes to proper security compliance, to be sure.)
Below, more technical details:
The Knightscope K5 ASR was designed to patrol autonomously (and around the clock) in large outdoor spaces, including during extreme weather scenarios. This makes it well-suited for securing government facilities. And when equipped with Verizon’s 4G LTE connectivity — with the above-mentioned plans to integrate 5G in the near future — the K5 ASR can leverage “real-time data transmission and monitoring, autonomously recharging and operating independently to maintain continuous surveillance.”
Furthermore, the integration of Verizon’s network services provides critical connectivity for the Knightscope Security Operations Center (KSOC) interface, equipping organizations with enhanced oversight via audio, video, and warning systems to help better safeguard public spaces.
In addition to the K5 ASR, Verizon Business is also providing connectivity for Knightscope’s K1 Blue Light Tower and Blue Light E-Phones, wireless emergency communication devices (ECDs) ideal for expansive outdoor areas. The K1 ECDs operate independently (24/7, to boot), and they feature voice connectivity, broadcast alerts, and illumination capabilities to assist first responders and protect communities (even in harsh conditions). Knightscope will also reportedly have access to Verizon Frontline, the advanced network, and technology for first responders.
Per Tom Long, an associate director for Verizon’s federal business:
“Verizon is committed to enhancing public safety by providing seamless and secure connectivity to the latest in autonomous security technology. Our partnership with Knightscope is a testament to the importance of secure, reliable connectivity in helping safeguard public spaces, and we look forward to further elevating these capabilities through 5G integration.”
And per William Santana Li, CEO of Knightscope:
“With Verizon’s connectivity, Knightscope’s autonomous security robots are transforming safety and security for organizations like the VA. Additionally, Verizon is enabling Knightscope to provide one-touch access to services such as police, fire, and EMS at hospitals, universities, and corporate campuses in times of danger, personal crisis, or medical emergencies.”
There’s more great info to peruse regarding Verizon being a go-to technology partner for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; for instance, it was awarded part of a $448.3 million, nine-year expansion deal with VA healthcare facilities to supply mission-critical communications and mobile medical devices. Read more about that here.
Edited by
Greg Tavarez
