These Anime-Looking Virtual Security Guards Will Protect Houses In Japan

Next year, if you happen to have a trip to Japan and enter a house or business office, you might come face to face with an artificial intelligence guard that looks like a character straight out of an anime. Secom, a Japanese security company is leading the project but it takes several ventures to complete creating these virtual security guards that have the size of a human being. The guard will come in both female and male forms whose name are “Ai” and “Mamoru” respectively.

Secom claims in a press release that no such AI guards have been made before. These guards could possibly contribute to dealing with Japan’s labor shortage.

On the entryway of a building, a big stationary mirror will display the AI-powered guards. And according to Secom, they will serve different purposes.

With their motion sensing technologies and various camera, the AI guards can conduct scanning on visitors to look for questionable items or suspicious signs suggesting the person is trying to hide their identity. For example, if the guard sees someone wearing a helmet approaching, it will instruct that person to remove their helmet for a clear inspection.

What the virtual security guard “sees” will appear in real-time on the screens that are observed by a human guard who will intervene if needed.

They are able to identify the height difference between people so that they can adjust their gaze accordingly. When interacting with children, the AI guards would kneel down.

Besides maintaining security, the guards can work as receptionists, answering visitors’ inquiries and directing them. They can also support human guards in emergency situations, by sending out alerts if they spot anyone fainting or collapsing.