Robots are the latest members of Victoria's hotel quarantine team
Robots could soon be patrolling corridors in Victoria's hotel quarantine facilities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading among workers and guests.
Bryan Goudsblom, CEO of Security company Monjon, says the high-tech 'guards' could prove invaluable.
"There's a few things that it does better than humans," he said.
CEO of Security company Monjon Bryan Goudsblom says the robots provide a necessary function. Nine
The machines have a helpful CCTV feature. Nine
With 360 degree vision and fitted with 60 sensors, the American-built technology can conduct temperature and PPE checks.
"We are able to check them in and out and visualise who is going in and out … we are providing that barrier that we believe is necessary," Mr Goudsblom said.
The contactless, added layer of security was successfully used at the US Open.
Quarantine chiefs will be trialling the robot's CCTV feature during the coming weeks, adding it's an important tool.
CCTV is an important tool for checking resident compliance and wellbeing, but it will not replace the role currently provided by CQV Residential Support Officers in monitoring floors.
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The robots were successfully used as security at the US Open. Nine
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the government was always looking at ways to ensure hotel quarantine was effective.
"We are always looking at how they can improve the monitoring."
Opposition leader Michael O'Brien said the use of the robots was indicative the government was not in control.
"You gotta ask the question, if the government can't get it right with people, maybe they do need to look at robots."
On any given day about 200 police officers are used to man the floors in hotel quarantine.
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Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt says the robots could free up police. Nine
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The Police Association says it has been calling for more CCTV cameras and says it supports the trial.
"Getting robo cops through the doors could keep coppers off the floor," Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said.
"Not only are they putting resources back where are they needed in the community, they're also making hotel quarantine safer."
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