Business
Business

Robot guard gets a job at popular Atlanta attraction this summer

A robot in action at the Prudential Center in Boston. The video was taken by Allied United, a major security services company that is trying to get its corporate and nonprofit customers to rent some of the robots. The Georgia Aquarium plans to test one this summer.
By Matt Kempner
June 16, 2017

A robot security guard will be on patrol this summer at one of metro Atlanta's biggest tourist attractions, as officials review whether its pros outweigh its cons on the job.

The Georgia Aquarium, which gets more than 2.4 million visitors a year, plans to give the K5 robot a pilot run in July or so.

The robot resembles an upright hard-boiled egg -- one that weighs about 300 pounds and is outfitted with a bunch of funky sensors and abilities. But it also has some simple limitations.

>> Check out what it can do and find out how it and its robotic cousins might rearrange security jobs, in my latest Unofficial Business column at MyAJC.com.

AJC Unofficial Business columnist Matt Kempner offers you a unique look at the business scene in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these columns:

Never miss a minute of what's happening in local business news. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Microsoft's Fairwater data center is housed within this sprawling campus in Fayetteville, shown here in May. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

In the market for a luxury vehicle? You might reconsider Lincoln.

The definition of “luxury” has shifted. It’s no longer just a softer ride with more chrome and gadgets; the real battle now is over experience. Lincoln is leaning in.

Flying for Thanksgiving? Here are tips for navigating Atlanta’s airport

Here’s the AJC's guide to what’s under construction at the airport and what to watch for if you’re traveling this Thanksgiving holiday.

The Latest

The 2025 Navigator is the flagship vehicle of the Lincoln brand. (Tyler Gourley/Lincoln/TNS)

Credit: TNS

In the market for a luxury vehicle? You might reconsider Lincoln.

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Why your car’s safety tech needs maintenance, too

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding.

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Atlanta officials quietly rebrand city’s DEI office

The city of Atlanta office overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion is getting a rebrand amid assaults at the federal level on such initiatives.