SITE SECURITY | ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION


that learn through iteration and are capable of making decisions related to their own processes. AI and machine learning have expanded the scope and scale of how these systems can be used, for example, through smart sensors that predict when a machine will need maintenance by analysing data on operating temperature, failure rate, and wear and tear. We will explore this technology more later. As for why automation and robotics are seeing such


widespread adoption, the answer is twofold. Firstly, innovations in the development and manufacturing of these systems are reducing overall costs and enabling tasks that were previously too niche or low-value to be automated. Secondly, they address fundamental socioeconomic concerns, including labour shortages, specialist training costs, and increasingly costly downtime driven by rising consumer and industrial demand. Any cost-benefit analysis or risk assessment aimed at identifying potential future shocks would identify automation as a means of addressing many concerns; however, its implementation is not a one- size-fits-all solution, particularly with respect to maintenance and site security for nuclear installations.


The risks and advantages of automation On paper, both maintenance and site security are prime candidates for automation, either through robotics or through background data analysis. These domains share


similar day-to-day challenges in: ● Repetitive tasks, such as patrols, manual inspections, observation and reporting


● Hazardous environments with complicated machinery that obscures vision, or the presence of dangerous materials that require PPE to inspect safely


● Human fatigue resulting from long shifts that require prolonged focus and out-of-hours work


Together, these operational issues make consistency


difficult to achieve through manual means. Automation and robotics can handle repetitive tasks in hazardous environments, but it’s important to consider barriers that can stop further adoption in safety-critical fields: Ambiguity: Automated systems thrive within clearly set


parameters and when fed consistent data. In security and maintenance, these are never guaranteed, as an incident or machine breakdown can be completely different from any previous event and can evolve quickly. False positives: Without advanced contextual understanding gained through time and iteration, automated systems can flood operators with low-quality alerts, desensitising them to genuine incidents that require attention. Environmental factors: Differences in lighting, visibility and even weather can impact the performance of robots and automated systems. Skill gaps: Labour and skill shortages are major drivers


of increasing use of automation, but configuring and maintaining these systems requires specialised expertise. Recruitment remains a pervasive issue for the nuclear industry, and although fewer staff are needed when automation and robotics are implemented, those left must possess sufficient knowledge of the technology. Accountability and trust: Public sentiment regarding AI


and automation remains largely negative, driven primarily by concerns about job loss and a lack of accountability. These feelings are important to consider, especially in high-trust fields that rely on co-operation. Several of these downsides will be mitigated over time, whereas addressing


trust and transparency will require a shift in workplace culture and strategy.


Robotics in site security Security robots come in many forms, each equipped to perform both specified tasks and routine operations. Among


the most common models are: ● Patrol robots: Mobile ground units capable of patrolling an area 24/7. They function as roving cameras, providing visibility in the regions that traditional static cameras can’t see. Patrol robots come in various sizes and shapes to suit different environments, such as wheeled, tracked or quadrupedal models that adapt to rocky terrain with uneven elevations, as in mining sites.


● Fixed robots: Fixed robots act as augmented smart cameras and sensors. They integrate with existing security infrastructure, increasing visibility with automated pan- and-tilt object tracking.


● Aerial robots: Drones are one of the most useful security tools for rapid deployment, particularly in challenging environments or large open spaces. Their complexity makes them unsuitable for routine patrols, so they are often integrated into a robot security strategy alongside mobile ground units.


These constitute the bulk of site security usage, providing


operators with a consistent means to monitor perimeters and assess environmental threats without exposing human personnel to risk. They do not succumb to fatigue and can maintain continuous surveillance, which is beneficial in industries prone to equipment and material theft, such as construction and manufacturing. Compared with robotics, which, despite its routine use,


remains flashy and impressive as a technology, automation assumes a more background role. Tasks that cannot be assigned to a robot, such as manual feed observation and report writing, are streamlined through integrated cameras, automated alerts and dedicated AI agents. Automation enhances productivity by handling menial


tasks that contribute to operator burnout, and transparent reasoning keeps humans firmly in the loop and capable of investigating and overriding decisions.


Automation in maintenance The introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in manufacturing facilities and power plants has fundamentally changed how maintenance is scheduled and performed. Instead of waiting for a machine to malfunction, which, depending on the nature of the incident, can force shutdown close and incur vast costs, IoT-enabled data now predicts


www.neimagazine.com | March 2026 | 23


Considering perimeter monitoring the onus falls rightly on the technology to prove it can operate with the consistency and transparency required. Source: Barkers Fencing


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