Surveillance drones and security robots are not new innovations on their own, but Singapore company Otsaw Digital has brought the two together. The O-R3 is the world's first ground-aerial outdoor security robot that combines an autonomous roving ground vehicle with a surveillance drone, resulting in a mobile system that can launch a drone to follow intruders and track their location.

The O-R3 is powered by machine learning algorithms that allow it to dynamically avoid obstacles and identify anomalous objects, such as unattended bags, while on its rounds. The system also includes facial and license plate recognition technology designed to identify people or vehicles that are where they shouldn't be, while ignoring approved personnel and vehicles.

The accompanying drone is is contained within the ground vehicle and launches from a platform that extends from the rear of the vehicle when required. Once in the air, the aerial drone can track suspects at a distance of up to 328 ft (100 m) from its ground-based counterpart.

Able to essentially run 24/7, the system is designed to reduce the need for human security personnel to constantly patrol a property. All alerts on unusual behavior are sent to a control center where a team of humans can monitor the data and, if necessary, take control of the O-R3. The vehicle also has the ability to autonomously return to its charging station when the battery is running low.

The O-R3 may eliminate some low-level security jobs, but the company makes it clear that this isn't a completely unmanned system. Experienced personnel are still needed to monitor things and evaluate the alerts the machine registers. However, the company says that the O-R3 can perform routine tasks with machine efficiency, while the human guards can perform more high-value tasks.

Otsaw Digital is set to launch the O-R3 at CommunicAsia17, which runs from May 23 - 25 in Singapore. It also plans to launch a smaller, indoor version in the near future.

Take a look at the O-R3 in the video below.

Source: New Atlas, Otsaw Digital