We are developing an autonomous robot for security and surveillance in ports

We have developed an autonomous robot that adapts its behaviour to port surveillance and control processes and facilitates interaction with control centres

This is how Cybercop, a project financed by Ports 4.0 and which has already been tested in the cruise terminal of the Port of Alicante carrying out surveillance route planning and remote operation tasks, can be defined.

The 2.12 Cybercop project consists of the development of an autonomous robot for surveillance in ports of general interest, as well as generating specific functions to adapt the robot's behaviour to port surveillance and control processes, and facilitating interaction with control centres.

Integration of technologies

Cybercop's features include 4×4 motorisation and integrated devices: 360º LIDAR, computer vision and deep learning systems, RTK to increase the robot's location accuracy, 4G connection, a four-camera system for 360º vision, compartments with emergency elements and the ability to move in sandy areas, and even on the seashore.

All these functionalities have been tested at the Port of Alicante, which acted as a facilitating actor for the project, and these tests have confirmed that both the software and the robotic platform function as planned.

Cybercop's vision system, in addition to incorporating different LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) sensors, has two RGBD cameras; one at the front and one at the rear to cover the entire periphery of the robot. "These cameras are able to detect people and objects, so we are able to alert the control centre to their presence in no-passage zones".

Assembly of the robot at TECNALIA

TECNALIA has designed and manufactured the two prototype platforms. These consist of a chassis and underframe housing the mechanical and electrical components that provide the prescribed traction and dynamic capabilities. There is also an upper chassis incorporating the sensors specified by ACTISA, duly coupled and attached to the chassis, as well as the rest of the requirements described above.

This work includes the development of the low-level control of the engines that are integrated in the lower platform, including their programming in the ROS framework, with a view to their integration in the CARCIS System, whose code has been developed by ACTISA in ROS.

Over the coming weeks, assembly of the Cybercop robot will commence at the TECNALIA facilities in Bilbao. The benefits for companies are:

• Increased security: the robot can patrol large areas and detect anomalies, enabling potential security threats to be identified and addressed more efficiently.
• Improved surveillance: The robot's autonomous surveillance capability covers areas that were previously difficult or impossible to monitor, reducing the risk of incidents and crime.
• Cost reduction: the use of an autonomous robot reduces security and surveillance costs, as it does not require the presence of human staff at all times.
• Increased efficiency: the robot collects and analyses large amounts of data, enabling patterns and trends to be identified that may help improve safety and operational efficiency.
• Flexibility and adaptability: the robot can be programmed to perform different tasks and adapt to different environments and situations, making it highly versatile.
• Increased transparency: the robot provides video logs and data that can be used to investigate incidents and improve transparency in security and surveillance.
• Improved customer experience: in the case of passenger ports, the presence of a security robot may provide an additional sense of security and well-being for the passengers.
• Compliance with regulations: the use of a security robot such as Cybercop may help companies comply with the prevailing regulations and security standards.