AI rent-a-bots patrol Austin neighborhoods with remote human oversight

Austin-based CTX Patrol has deployed AI-powered security robots in partnership with Daxbot, an Oregon-based robotics company, to patrol northeast Austin neighborhoods. One robot named Palmer now monitors the Windsor Park area, representing a cost-effective approach to maintaining continuous security presence while keeping human operators safely removed from potential threats.

How it works: Palmer combines advanced surveillance technology with remote human oversight to monitor neighborhoods around the clock.
• The robot is equipped with advanced cameras and facial recognition technology to detect suspicious activity in real-time.
• Trained operators monitor Palmer continuously from Daxbot’s headquarters in Philomath, Oregon, ready to assess threats and coordinate emergency responses.
• When suspicious activity is detected, remote operators can confirm threats and immediately contact 911 and local security teams.

Real-world effectiveness: The system recently proved its value during an actual security incident at an Austin apartment complex.
• Palmer detected suspicious activity and alerted remote operators, who confirmed the presence of an armed trespasser.
• The operators quickly contacted emergency services and CTX Patrol, providing detailed information that allowed responding officers to arrive with a clear action plan.
• “They can feed back so much information that when officers arrive, they already have a game plan. It can be successful, effective, and safe for everybody involved,” said Michael Fallon, CTX Patrol’s general manager of sales.

Strategic advantages: The robot patrol system addresses key operational challenges for security companies while prioritizing safety.
• CTX Patrol adopted the technology about a year ago seeking “something that could give us a permanent presence and flexibility – at a more affordable cost,” according to Mason Reeves, Daxbot’s security sales lead.
• The robots are designed to absorb potential danger, acting as a protective buffer between threats and people.
• “The only thing in harm’s way is the robot,” Reeves explained. “We can fix them. It’s a lot harder to fix humans, and that’s not something we want to risk.”

What they’re saying: Daxbot emphasizes the importance of creating approachable security technology that can de-escalate rather than intimidate.
• “We wanted our robot to be a helper to humanity,” Reeves said. “We want a robot that’s friendly, pleasant to interact with and something that can de-escalate situations.”
• Despite Palmer’s non-intimidating appearance with “a short frame and cartoon-like eyes,” the robot is “built to serve and protect.”