Security company Knightscope Inc. will be showcasing its autonomous security robots and more as part of its ongoing “Robot Roadshow” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department at 224 E Broad St.
Based in Mountain View, California, Knightscope started in 2013 in the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting with the goal of providing actionable intelligence to make it possible for law enforcement and security personnel to make better and more expedient decisions in crisis situations, said EVP and Chief Client Officer Stacy Stephens.
“Obviously, the technology’s evolved,” Stephens said. “We [now] have fully autonomous robots that are actually operating across the entire country.”
Stephens said the company currently has more than 7,000 machines-in-network across the United States. Knightscope currently features a suite of robot models, including the K3 and K5, that are designed to patrol indoor and outdoor spaces and are programmed with autonomous detection capabilities. Clients can view live video feeds and even broadcast audio messages through the robots through Knightscope’s software.
In addition to its surveillance products, Knightscope also offers emergency communications technology like its K1 Blue Light Tower which can be used to make emergency calls in parking lots and college campuses.
Knightscope raised more than $120 million from 35,000 investors on the equity crowdfunding platform StartEngine before publicly listing on Nasdaq in January 2022.
“At the time, and still nearly the same now, most private investment through VCs is made into software with almost zero associated with physical security, law enforcement and defense,” Stephens said. “We are on a mission, and that wasn't going to stop us. Additionally, if we want to reimagine public safety across the country, having four institutional investors in an ivory tower wouldn't drive a movement for change across the nation.”
On a June 28 episode of the “Stock Day” podcast this year, Knightscope CEO William Santana Li said that last year the company had around $5.6 million in top-line revenue and estimated the annual run-rate to be $11 million. Stephens said that the company is constantly recruiting and is close to 100 employees.
Stephens said the roadshows started after the Covid-19 pandemic to fill the void that had been left following the traditional trade shows being shut down. Now, Knightscope is approaching its 100th show.
“We’re going to show everything the robots do: how they operate, what the sensors are, the features and capabilities,” Stephens said. “You can see real-time live-streaming video through the robots.”
Stephens said turnout at these exhibits is usually a mix of media, investors, and clients wanting to see specific use cases. Of course, attendance is free, and the public is encouraged to join.
