Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR)’s 100%-owned automation and robotics subsidiary Stealth Technologies has inked a robotic security agreement with global software industrial giant Honeywell (NYSE:NASDAQ:HON) to progress commercialisation of autonomous security vehicles (ASVs) for perimeter security.
Stealth and Honeywell (NYSE:HON) previously developed and tested the ASV technology at a Western Australian prison and have completed real-time integration of the ASV with the Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator product, which has thousands of systems deployed globally.
Stealth will engage exclusively with Honeywell for customers in the correctional, telecommunications and defence industries in Australia and New Zealand, along with other countries as agreed by the parties.
Security benefits of robotic automation
Stealth and Honeywell will establish an ASV Pilot Deployment program to support customers to deploy the robotic surveillance technology in their organisations, providing first-hand insight into the perimeter security benefits of robotic automation and autonomous vehicles.
ASV pilot deployments will further validate perimeter security use cases, model the return on investment with real-world customer feedback, explore the most effective ways of introducing robotics and autonomous vehicles, and direct customer feedback into engineering.
The first-generation Stealth ASV autonomously navigates pre-defined missions to test critical perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) and conduct surveillance.
It is necessary to test PIDS infrastructure multiple times daily, but this currently requires physical interaction between security personnel and PIDS.
Frees up human labour
The critically essential but mundane task, when performed by humans, may produce inconsistent test results, cause physical damage to PIDS, lack traceability and reduce testing frequency due to high labour costs.
This labour-intensive process also uses highly skilled staff whose skills could be redeployed elsewhere.
The ASV has robotic components that simulate cutting or climbing a secure perimeter fence. It autonomously tests photo-electric beams, microphonic and fibre-optic fence sensors, buried electromagnetic cables and microwave beams.
Multiple sensors provide patrol and surveillance, including a military-grade camera that offers 360-degree high-definition video. The ASV has successfully achieved thousands of operational PIDS tests in previous live trials at a correctional facility.
The fine print
Under the agreement, Honeywell will be responsible for identifying, engaging and maintaining customer relationships, procuring access to customer facilities, processing fees and entering into and maintaining agreements with customers to facilitate ASV Pilot Deployments.
The parties will agree a fee structure based on the direct operational costs and an additional amount having regard to the relevant ASV pilot deployment.
Under the 24-month contract, background IP and IP rights generated will be owned by the originating party.
All materials and intellectual property rights associated with the ASV, including any data generated by or in connection with the ASV, will be retained by Stealth.