No, it’s not an oversized Roomba on the loose. It’s the “Knightscope K5,” an egg-shaped autonomous machine equipped with real-time monitoring and detection technology that allows it to keep tabs on what’s happening nearby.

Next time you’re visiting the Prudential Center, don’t be alarmed if you bump into a large, rolling robot as it travels the corridors where shoppers pop in and out of stores.

There’s a new security officer in town. But this one runs on batteries, not Dunkin’ Donuts.

The Knightscope K5 — it doesn’t have a human name yet, but people have been referring to it as “he” and “she” — was introduced to the Prudential Center last week by the security firm Allied Universal, in partnership with Boston Properties, the company that owns and manages the popular shopping destination.


The robot, which moves at roughly 2 miles per hour, follows a mapped-out patrol route within a geo-fenced area and collects data along the way.

Allied Universal officials say the robot adds an extra layer of protection for patrons, on top of the human security guards already on duty.

“The most encouraging thing about it is that it really can enhance our service delivery and our security program wherever it’s installed,” said Caress Kennedy, president of the Northeast region for Allied Universal. “It has so many wonderful capabilities and just improves the overall service.”

According to Knightscope’s website, the robot is loaded with high-definition cameras that give it a 360-degree view; it can detect humans nearby and make live or pre-recorded audio announcements to the public.

The robot is also equipped with an emergency call button, so if shoppers need assistance, or are in distress, they can reach a security guard easily.

Dennis Crowley, senior vice president with Allied’s integrated technology group, said a similar robot in California recently used its thermal imaging technology to identify a hair curler someone had left on at a boutique kiosk after closing for the night.


The robot alerted security guards at the nearby command center.

“So they were able to prevent a fire,” Crowley said.

As for privacy concerns, Crowley said the robot isn’t much different than the typical security camera in a busy shopping plaza. The Knightscope K5 is not recording audio or listening in on people’s conversations — it’s just video.

“On the privacy end of it, it’s even more open,” he said, because its presence is known and not hidden.

And a robot doesn’t require much sleep. When the robot needs juice, it guides itself to an area in the mall to recharge, all the while continuing some of its duties.

“It’s always on the job,” Kennedy said. “The only thing it eats is basically energy. That’s its food.”

Kennedy said the robot has been well-received at the mall, and has become something of a tourist attraction.

She said all week people have been stepping into the robot’s path to take selfies with the machine.

“When we launched it on Tuesday, it seemed like there were hundreds of people who took pictures with it,” she said. “I think in the past, in other locations, people have wanted to kiss it.”

But the robot needs to work, folks. And its one job is this: protect and serve.

Bryan J. Koop, executive vice president of Boston Properties, said with so many customers, conventioneers, tourists, and residents passing through, the Prudential Center is the perfect venue to test out new security tools.


“Our security team is charged with making all customers feel welcome and safe,” he said in a statement. “And having the additional support provided by our [Autonomous Data Machine] partner is valuable in providing an additional data and touch point.”