Robotic dogs are replacing overnight security guards at several Atlanta apartment complexes, where property managers say the machines are helping deter crime and improve safety.
At 445 Cleveland Apartments in southwest Atlanta, two four-legged robots patrol the property's roughly 200 units each night after the leasing office closes.
The robots, operated by Atlanta-based startup Undaunted, are remotely controlled by human operators who monitor live camera feeds and communicate directly with residents through onboard speakers.
The company says its model combines remote operators with artificial intelligence-powered camera systems to create a more proactive approach to security, moving away from traditional guard patrols that typically respond after incidents occur.
Property manager Carlos Cabello said the complex replaced a team of two to three overnight and weekend security guards with the robotic system after facing challenges with traditional patrols.
"We were having some issues with the security team before that. They were, at the end of the day, human beings like we are. So they were feeling afraid or scared to even walk at some groups that would gather in the parking lot where they shouldn't be. So with the robot, that changed completely because it's just a robot. So the robot just goes, asks them to leave. If they don't leave, they call the police or they get me their information so we can send police violations," Cabello told Reuters.
The robot dogs greet residents, patrol parking lots and common areas, and allow remote operators to speak directly with anyone on the property.
For resident Morris Ellison, who has lived at the complex for four years, the unusual sight has become part of everyday life.
"Well, first impression, I didn't know. I was like, oh, you know, it was something strange, like a video game. But after I got used to it, it's a safety. He's friendly, sees everything and keep the bad people away," Ellison said.
Undaunted founder and CEO Bryan Dinner says 445 Cleveland has seen sharp declines in crime since adopting the system, although Reuters could not independently verify the figures.
"So when we came onto the property, we've seen a pretty significant impact. Residential burglaries have reduced by 100%. Vehicle theft has reduced by 75%. Vehicle break-ins by 65%. And the quality of life for those residents has just gone dramatically up. They've gone from 60% occupancy to near 100% occupancy because it's just a much nicer place to live," Dinner described.
The Atlanta-based startup says demand has grown rapidly as apartment owners look for alternatives to traditional security staffing.
"We are the largest robotic security provider in the United States, and we're only operating here in Atlanta. We've tripled in size in the last four months. We are 120 robots soon to be already sold. And really, we found a sweet spot where we're providing better security at half the cost."
(Camera, Production, Editing & Writing: Jayla Whitfield-Anderson)