- As cultural institutions are closing down because of the pandemic, they are facing an increased security threat, as reduced staffing made them more vulnerable to thieves
- The issue was brought to the forefront after Singer Lauren museum in The Netherlands became the victim of a “smash-and-grab” theft of a priceless piece, The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring 1884, by Vincent van Gogh
- Knightscope’s technology can successfully increase security in multiple venues, including museums, libraries, galleries, and other cultural institutions
- The company’s autonomous security robot (“ASR”) offering includes K1 (stationary and provides temperature monitoring), K3 (indoor machine), and K5 (outdoor machine), all capable of being implemented into a museum setting
The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for the temporary closure of approximately 90% of the world’s museums. According to research by UNESCO and the International Council of Museums, this percentage represents approximately 85,000 museums, 13% of which may never reopen. One alarming part of the equation is that due to the closures, the workforces of museums, libraries, galleries, and other cultural institutions that are in charge of these valuable pieces have found themselves at a reduced capacity. These low operational numbers leave such institutions vulnerable from a security standpoint and give thieves the confidence boost they need to make attempts on these valuables (https://ibn.fm/9jzIX).
The recent theft of Vincent van Gogh’s The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring 1884 from Singer Lauren in the Netherlands highlights this issue, raising concern about the threat level to other museums worldwide. The Singer Lauren robbery in March 2020 garnered the attention of museum security staff and directors and resulted in increased monitoring measures and the implementation of 24-hour security operations. Even with the additional measures, however, thieves may still target these institutions, thinking they are in a weakened state because of reduced staffing during the pandemic.
Advanced security technology company Knightscope, may be the solution that these institutions are missing to maintain security at all times. Founded in 2013 and based in Mountain View, California, Knightscope is a leader in developing autonomous security capabilities. The company is on target to disrupt the $500 billion security industry through its innovative technology that uniquely combines self-driving technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence (“AI”).
Knightscope designs and builds Autonomous Security Robots (“ASRs”) that provide 24/7/365 security to the grounds it patrols, including places where consumers live, work, visit, and study. These ASRs have even assisted in the arrest of suspects involved in crimes that range from armed robbery to hit-and-runs. Implementing one of the Knightscope ASR designs in a museum, library, gallery, or another cultural institution is part of the very foundation of the ASRs’ designs, and could significantly help enhance security on these properties all while maintaining pandemic-imposed staffing restrictions.
Knightscope’s current offering consists of K1 (stationary machine), K3 (indoor machine), and K5 (outdoor machine). The company has eight patents alongside a framework of intellectual property. The autonomous ASRs patrol client sites without remote control and provide a visible, force-multiplying, physical security presence. This presence is beneficial in protecting assets (like priceless paintings), monitoring for any physical changes within the patrol area, and the deterrence of crime.
The data collected is accessible through the Knightscope Security Operations Center (“KSOC”). This intuitive and browser-based interface allows for security officials to review events monitored by the ASRs. All ASRs and technology associated with the Knightscope name are developed from the ground up and made in the USA.
When cultural facilities reopen their doors to the public, implementation of Knightscope’s K1 unit can help with monitoring elevated body temperature (“EBT”), providing private alerts, and mitigating potential exposure. Not only can the assets be kept safe, but so can the patrons inside. Knightscope’s technology is on the forefront of helping America reopen safely for both staff members and the general public.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Knightscope.com and if you have a need for subscription service you may request a private demonstration of the technology at www.Knightscope.com/demo.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Knightscope are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/Knight
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