Security Robots Patrol Downtown St. Louis for Frozen Four

ST. LOUIS — This weekend, while hockey fans flock to downtown St. Louis for the Frozen Four NCAA tournament, they’ll encounter some high-tech helpers on their journey. Security robots are making their debut in the area, showcasing their potential to revolutionize crime-fighting and public safety initiatives.

Meet the Robots

Steve Reinharz, CEO and CTO of RAD Robotics Assistance Devices, proudly introduced his duo of cutting-edge robots, ROAMEO and RAD DOG. "These guys are working here this weekend," he said, gesturing toward the robots. "ROAMEO is going to be doing the patrols. It can operate for 16 hours nonstop, performing functions like license plate recognition and even escorting guests to their cars. Essentially, it delivers the benefits of human security guards at a lower cost and with increased efficiency."

ROAMEO resembles a compact, windowless, self-driving car outfitted with LED screens that display messages and can even converse with passersby. In contrast, RAD DOG—a smaller model—has a playful design reminiscent of a dog, making it approachable for families and fans alike.

A New Ally for Law Enforcement

"RAD DOG is specifically designed for high-tension scenarios, like SWAT operations during an active shooter situation," Reinharz explained. However, don’t expect RAD DOG to tackle urgent incidents this weekend. Instead, the robot’s mission is friendly engagement. "This weekend is all about making friends and getting people familiar with this type of robot," he said.

Kelli McCrary, the executive director for the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District, is hopeful about integrating these robots into city initiatives. "We have connections with law enforcement," she noted. "They’ve been able to see a demonstration of RAD DOG, and we’re eager to implement this technology into their operations."

Versatile Applications

While RAD DOG serves a specific purpose for law enforcement, ROAMEO has a broad range of potential applications. McCrary envisions ROAMEO enhancing security in corporate environments or event conventions. "Imagine having a robot assist with security during a large corporate event,” she commented.

Conclusion

The introduction of security robots in downtown St. Louis during the Frozen Four is a glimpse into the future of urban safety and community engagement. As technology continues to advance, robots like ROAMEO and RAD DOG could play significant roles in crime prevention and public reassurance.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.