Ascento Guard 2.0 is ready for security duty at large facilities

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Ascento AG launched the latest generation of its two-wheeled autonomous security robot called Ascento Guard 2.0. Enhancements in this new platform include integrated cameras and spotlights three times brighter than its predecessor.

The new cameras provide better nighttime visibility than in the mobile robot’s the first generation. They can detect people at twice the distance in front and five times further on the sides and rear.

A new thermal camera with 160% higher resolution ensures precise monitoring, said Ascento Robotics. The Zurich-based startup has raised a total of $4.8 million (U.S.) since its founding, according to Crunchbase.

Early customers approve of Ascento

Ascento said it is on a mission to secure assets with robotics and artificial intelligence. The company launched the first generation of Ascento Guard in September 2023.

The robot is designed for on- and off-road operations and can traverse a wide range of terrain. Guard self-balances, and it can self-right and recover if it is tripped up by an obstacle.

Alexander Grêt is a group manager at Swiss Securitas Group, a top security company in Switzerland and an early Ascento customer. He stated: “We’ve been using Ascento Guard for over a year to manage parking and night security at our site. We’ve also rolled out several Ascento Guard 2.0 units for our customers in manufacturing and logistics.”

“In 2024, we tripled the number of Ascento Guards installed, and they’re now fully integrated into our security operations after moving forward from initial pilots,” Grêt added. “This is an exciting step forward, as it helps us deliver better solutions to our customers and tackle the growing demand for security solutions. The speed at which the Ascento team improves is incredible, and we’re proud to be part of this game-changing technology.”

Severin Debrunner, head of safety and security at Mettler Toledo, also expressed approval of the robot.

“We initially deployed Ascento Guard to help with outdoor night patrols, but we’re keeping it for the full transparency it provides,” he said. “Every morning, I can see which cars were parked illegally overnight, which lights were left on, and if there were people wandering within the fence line. The upgraded side cameras significantly improve monitoring, especially for perimeter control.”

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Ascento Guard 2.0 can take longer shifts

Ascento Guard 2.0 monitors perimeters, detecting anomalies such as holes in fences, intruders, ladder intrusions, and open gates. Using AI and camera technology, the updated robot can efficiently surveil large areas, said the company.

It added that Guard 2.0 has a larger battery and can operate for up to eight hours, enabling the robot to operate for a full security shift without interruption. Charging can be accomplished at a 4:1 charging ratio, allowing it to recharge fast and get back outside to patrol again.

In addition, Ascento Guard 2.0 can automate visual inspections of equipment, identifying potential malfunctions or irregularities. Its integrated thermal camera can detect overheating, allowing for early maintenance and preventing equipment failures, said Ascento. The system can also detect flood and storm damage, minimizing potential losses, it said.

“We call our Ascento Guard ‘Loomi.’ Everyone around the Bildung Campus likes it and feels we are living in the future,” stated Nikolaus Schlüter, team lead of SchwarzCampusService, “We are now moving to the next stage. We want to integrate it with our facility management platform, and expand to more robots in other locations of the Schwarz Group.”

Guard 2.0 can be deployed on demand for various tasks, such as escorting visitors or monitoring specific areas during planned or unplanned events. These deployments can be remotely controlled and monitored.

The system can operate independently through the Ascento Web app or integrate with existing video management systems and facility management software.

Although Ascento is a young company, it has gotten some market traction. Over the past three months, Ascento has doubled its robot fleet, with projections to achieve 5x growth year over year by the end of 2024. The company said its robots are on track to patrol over 6,500 km (4,038.9 mi.) every month by the end of 2024.