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Over the years, technology's role in our day-to-day lives has only increased. Ten years ago, most people weren't using their phones to order food, get rides, or study new languages.

In 2024, millions of Americans regularly rely upon their mobile devices for rideshare, social media, traveling, work, and more. Humans and technology continue to integrate as the former employs the latter to streamline convenience and efficiency.

Technology's impact is indeed tangible. Artificial intelligence (AI) continues growing and more businesses are utilizing robots to make their jobs easier.

Down in Texas, the San Antonio International Airport just got approved for a 5'4" K5 robot to help with overall security.

Here's what's going on

This month, the San Antonio city council greenlit a deal with security robot developer Knightscope. Knightscope is presently renting out autonomous K5 robots that are designed to improve the protection of various spaces and businesses.

After a seven to three vote, it's been decided that over the next year, a 420-lb K5 robot will oversee doors at the airport and respond when alarms go off. Anyone who triggers an alarm will have their photo taken by the autonomous machine and sent to command center personnel.

This will let San Antonio airport officials know who's coming and whether or not they're permitted to do so. Jesus Saenz, the local airports' director, believes Knightscope's robot will do a lot of good.

Saenz told the media that San Antonio regularly has door alarms going off in the airport. Sometimes, this is due to unauthorized individuals entering; in other cases, it's a result of an accident.

Either way, the local Texas airport has to abide by federal regulations that pertain to airport security. Saenz also stressed that bringing on the K5 robot isn't about surveilling individuals; instead, the goal is dealing with airport door alarms that are repeatedly blaring.

Some city council members have concerns

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez is one of the three San Antonio city council members who voted against the contract with Knightscope. McKee-Rodriguez maintains that despite Saenz's intentions, these K5 robots still have the capacity to gather and transmit individuals' personal data.

Teri Castillo, another city council member who voted against the deal, expressed concerns that this K5 robot could potentially rob humans of airport security jobs.