Scottish technology firm creates a robotic solution for security and agriculture inspections

14/11/2019

EDINBURGH-BASED Casta Spes Technologies (CST) has unveiled a robotic security vehicle offering security and inspection solutions across multiple sectors including agriculture, energy and construction.

Named ‘ZIVA’, the multi-terrain, high-performance robot saves 92% on the cost of a manned patrol by combining autonomous navigation with multiple software add-ons, such as licence plate recognition and threat classification. ZIVA was designed to reduce the cost and time associated with false alarms, using its dynamic and flexible nature to cover blind spots, a major drawback of static cameras.

ZIVA provides 360-degree CCTV coverage and can be driven remotely or set to automatically patrol specified routes utilising multiple sensors and autonomous navigation.

ZIVA is the first product from Casta Spes Technologies, set up by 24-year-old graduates, Selby Cary and Michael McDonald. Designed using funding from pre-seed tech accelerator, Seed Haus, and Scottish Enterprise support, it is currently deployed onsite with several companies including West Coast Capital Properties.

Selby Cary, Co-founder and CEO of Casta Spes Technologies, completed a Masters at Heriot-Watt University, known for its robotics research and teaching. He explains: “It is estimated that the perimeter security market will be worth over $197Bn by 2022, with the global market for surveillance robots expected to reach $10.2Bn by 2025.  This is a massive growth industry and Scotland has already demonstrated that it is a leader in robotic technology and development.

“ZIVA works by analysing the images it sees, allowing it to take on important perimeter security roles in remote areas or locations with limited infrastructures, such as warehouses, industrial properties and construction sites.

“Scotland is fast becoming the robotics capital of Europe with the National Robotarium under construction in Edinburgh and the city playing host to some of the world’s leading robotics experts. We believe Scotland’s capital is the ideal springboard from which to launch ZIVA. Furthermore, the terrain and weather conditions are ideal for testing. Once we knew we had something that could work in the Scottish weather, we were confident we could get it to work anywhere!”

Able to reach speeds of 19km/h and capable of tackling rough terrain, including gravel and long grass, ZIVA overcomes many of the challenges faced by competitor robot security vehicles due to its innovative design. It can also provide a range of agricultural functions, such as checking crops for disease or monitoring livestock.

ZIVA’s mechanical design is unique, combining multiple innovations into one platform. Its dual-wheeled system means it has a greater payload capacity, offers energy efficiency and can overcome rough terrain without getting stuck. The flexible, modular design means clients can customise it to their own requirements providing an affordable, real-world solution to their remote security needs.

The company plans to deploy more units into the field shortly and will launch a suite of software add-ons and data analytics plug-ins to enhance ZIVA’s CCTV capabilities over the next 12 months.

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