Meet LANCE, the Security Robot Making a Missouri Comeback

One of the beautiful things about America is that you can get a second chance, and Americans love a comeback story. But what if that second chance comeback opportunity was for a robot? Specifically, a security robot?

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Growing up we always thought there would be a time when “Droids” would be something that helped humans in different capacities. The 1987 movie “Robocop” placed that focus on the security level. Before leveling up to hybrid human/machine concept used in the film, there was the “ED-209” failure in the storyline. Think ED-209 but way less lethal. That’s LANCE, the security robot at Patmos Hosting in Kansas City.

Turns out that security robots and “droids” are being implemented in many areas across the country. Yes security, but also at hospitals, the military (obviously) and delivery services too. As the technology continues being developed, we’ll be introduced to new robots assisting human staffs in many areas.

Patmos Hosting is in the old Kansas City Star building

LANCE previously was deployed by the New York City Police Department to patrol the subway, but instead had to be protected by human officers. That’s not efficient, so LANCE was moved to Patmos Hosting in Kansas City, and has already assisted police in investigations into vandalism and break-ins in the area surrounding Patmos Hosting's building. That’s not the only location, robots like LANCE are on patrol at several locations in the Kansas City area. Will LANCE have a revival on the streets of KC now that he's off subway duty in NYC? Stay tuned.