Lyon, France – Motorists parking at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport may soon encounter a new kind of security agent. Since July 3, Aéroports de Lyon has been testing Ascento Guard, an autonomous robot tasked with monitoring its car parks. This initiative represents a pioneering deployment of such technology in France.
Ascento Guard: A New Era in Airport Security
The introduction of Ascento Guard follows other robotic innovations at the Lyon airport, including robots that park users’ cars and ‘server robots’ deployed in passenger lounges. Developed by the Swiss company Ascento, this two-wheeled robot is designed to navigate autonomously across various airport car parks, operating both day and night.
Equipped with Advanced AI Capabilities
Ascento Guard is outfitted with multiple cameras, thermal sensors, and artificial intelligence, enabling it to detect unusual behaviors, intrusions, or even fire outbreaks. In the event of an anomaly, the robot immediately transmits an alert to the security post, allowing human agents to respond as needed. It can also broadcast vocal messages to address individuals or reiterate applicable regulations.
Automating Repetitive Surveillance Tasks
Aéroports de Lyon emphasizes that the primary goal of this robot is not to replace human security personnel but to complement their work. The robot handles repetitive surveillance rounds, freeing up human teams to focus on interventions that require a physical presence. This strategic deployment aims to optimize security operations and enhance overall efficiency.
The experimental phase commenced on July 3 in the car parks of Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport. During this test period, the robot will conduct autonomous patrols to assess its effectiveness under real operating conditions. Thanks to its large wheels and balancing system, Ascento Guard can traverse sidewalks, operate on various surfaces, and function in all weather conditions, according to Aéroports de Lyon.
If the trials prove successful, this type of robot could become a permanent fixture in the airport’s security framework, significantly augmenting its surveillance capabilities.
Source: actu.fr
