Ascento sends autonomous security robots on patrol

The ETH startup is developing AI-powered robots in Zurich that monitor large outdoor areas around the clock and relieve the burden on security teams.

Moving autonomously on two wheels, the Ascento Guard travels across company premises, industrial sites, and critical infrastructure, handles uneven terrain and ramps, and remains operational even in rain, snow, or darkness. With the help of 360-degree cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and artificial intelligence, it detects security-relevant events in real time and alerts security personnel when necessary. The technology was developed at ETH Zurich by a team that knew the industry firsthand: co-founder Alessandro Morra worked as a security guard himself during his studies and knows firsthand how tough long, lonely night shifts in all weather conditions can be. The robot is being tested in the Test Cages at Innovation Park Zurich before being deployed at customers such as Securitas or Hamburg Airport. With its Robotics-as-a-Service model, Ascento aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in the security industry and redefine collaboration between humans and machines.