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What if the next security guard rolling past your office had one wheel and never needed a coffee break? That is the pitch behind 1Rollo, a one-wheeled AI security robot from Estonian startup Rollo Robotics. The company believes its narrow design could patrol large properties at a lower operating cost than traditional security vehicles.
The machine follows mapped routes while watching the area around it. When its artificial intelligence detects unusual activity, 1Rollo can alert a human operator. That person can review the situation and decide whether to send a security guard.
For now, 1Rollo remains a functional prototype. Rollo Robotics says it plans to make the robot commercially available in 2027. Therefore, its design and specifications could change before customers begin using it.
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The 1Rollo uses a self-balancing single-wheel design to patrol outdoor properties autonomously. (Rollo Robotics)
1Rollo uses a 360-degree computer vision system to monitor its surroundings. It also relies on Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System positioning (RTK GNSS). RTK uses correction data to provide more precise positioning than standard satellite navigation. That precision could help the robot stay close to its assigned route around a business or industrial property. As the robot moves, its cameras and sensors look for obstacles. The system can then adjust its path to avoid a collision. Meanwhile, the AI analyzes the area for anomalies. If the system spots something unusual, it can send an alert over Wi-Fi or a 4G or 5G connection.
Keeping a 100-pound robot upright on one wheel takes more than a clever-looking design. Rollo Robotics uses a vertically positioned spinning flywheel inside the machine. The flywheel sits in line with the main wheel and helps the robot maintain its balance. To turn, the system tilts the internal flywheel toward either side. Rollo Robotics describes the hardware and software behind this method as patent-pending. The single-wheel design gives the robot a narrow footprint. As a result, it may travel through spaces where a wider patrol vehicle would struggle. However, Rollo Robotics has not published detailed performance results for stairs, steep slopes or deeply uneven ground. Those real-world tests will show where the monowheel design works best.
The company's current specifications list 1Rollo at about 43 inches tall. Its wheel measures 24 inches across, while the complete robot weighs approximately 100 pounds. Rollo Robotics lists a top speed of 19 mph. That is much faster than the walking pace of many existing security robots. Battery life reaches up to eight hours per charge, according to the company. The product information also lists autonomous wireless charging.
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The 1Rollo can follow predefined patrol routes while its cameras and sensors monitor the surrounding area. (Rollo Robotics)
The standard robot includes a 360-degree vision system. However, Rollo Robotics designed the platform to support additional equipment. Customers could add thermal cameras for low-light environments. The platform can also support pan-tilt-zoom cameras for viewing activity farther away. Other compatible equipment includes night vision, RFID systems and custom payloads. These options could help companies adapt the robot for a specific property.