The global labor shortage has left many industries grappling with staffing challenges, and the security sector is no exception. With over 50% staff shortages in security personnel, companies are struggling to meet contractual obligations and expand their services. Zurich-based robotics startup Ascento has emerged as a solution to this crisis, offering robotic guards and AI software designed for patrolling large outdoor properties.
Ascento recently secured $4.3 million in pre-seed funding to launch its latest autonomous outdoor security patrolling robot, the Ascento Guard. This investment round was led by Wingman Venture and Playfair, with participation from prominent investors like Tim Kentley-Klay, founder of Zoox (acquired by Amazon), and Ryan Gariepy, CTO, and Co-Founder of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors, among others. It also received support from the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse and the European Space Agency incubator ESA BIC.
Ascento's innovative approach is transforming the security landscape. Powered by proprietary AI technology, the Ascento Guard can be deployed in various settings, including manufacturing plants, data centers, energy production facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, luxury manufacturing units, and outdoor warehouses. These autonomous robots can detect intruders, verify perimeter integrity, monitor property conditions, identify safety hazards like floods and fires, and oversee parking lots. They operate at a walking speed of 4.5 km/h and feature autonomous charging, ensuring uninterrupted operation without human intervention.
One of the standout features of Ascento's solution is its ease of deployment. The Ascento Guard can be installed and operational within a few hours, offering immediate cost savings and adaptability to evolving security requirements. Companies can hire these robots by the hour, just like human security personnel, with comprehensive support, service, and repairs included.
Ascento's commitment to enhancing security extends to its software. The Ascento App employs AI to analyze video and images, integrates seamlessly with existing video management systems, offers secure two-way communication, and provides insightful reports that security managers value.
Alessandro Morra, co-founder, and CEO of Ascento, believes that Ascento Guard provides a transformative solution to the security industry's challenges. By complementing human security personnel with the Ascento Guard, security companies can streamline operations and allow their staff to focus on specialized tasks.
