Security Messe Essen, the global highlight of the security industry, once again proved its status as an indispensable platform for innovation and the exchange of expertise in 2024. During the 50th (anniversary) edition, over 500 exhibitors from 36 countries and more than 20,000 trade visitors from 86 nations ensured that the trade fair was once again a success. Particularly noteworthy is the strong increase in visitors of 17% compared to 2022 – a clear sign that face-to-face dialogue is once again gaining in importance after the pandemic phase.

The big names represented at the trade fair included companies from a wide range of industries, including Hekatron, Bosch, Telenot, Barox, Dahua, Hikvision, Salto, Abus, etc., as well as well-known associations such as the Federal Association of the Security Industry BDSW, the Federal Association ‘Alliance for Security in the Economy e.V.’, AWS for short, the BHE – Federal Association for Security Technology and, of course, the BSKI, the Federal Association for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures e.V..

This diversity reflects the ever-increasing demand for security solutions, which is reflected in the thematically orientated halls. System integration and artificial intelligence took centre stage wherever smart systems for monitoring, access control and hazard prevention were presented.

The trade fair therefore also provided the ideal platform for the Security Robotics team to experience modern technologies such as AI and robotics live, to network and to get up close and personal with the ‘how is how’ of the industry.

Successful appearance at the press conference

At the press conference on 11 September, we had the opportunity to present our vision, the team and the topic of networked security robotics to a wide audience. Our colleague Mr Henke caused quite a stir when he presented the Go2 system ‘Paul’. With his humorous handling of the robot and an entertaining demonstration during the livestream, he managed to arouse the interest of the press and make them laugh – a moment that will remain a lasting + positive memory.

Stage presence at the Security Experts Forum

Another highlight of Security Essen was the presentation by our CEO, Aleksej Tokarev, entitled: ‘Adaptability – the power of evolution. Autonomous mobile security robots as an intelligent platform for diverse requirements.’ At the Security Experts Forum, he captivated the audience with his vision of how autonomous robots can be used flexibly and intelligently in various security areas. His presentation was accompanied by the walking robot Spot, whose presence on stage made everything more tangible. The audience listened attentively and then engaged in a personal dialogue with our CEO to discuss further questions about possible applications and future prospects.

Our trade fair: From press conference to drone show

We arrived on Monday to install our systems at the stand and to test the drone system and G-Fence fence sensors on the outdoor area. Thanks to the well-organised preparations, the set-up went smoothly and we were able to start on time on the first day of the trade fair.

As expected, the following 4 days of the trade fair were packed with discussions, professional dialogue, a large number of stand visitors, thousands of questions ranging from simple to complex, specific project meetings and an overall great deal of interest in robotics from young and old.

Our discussions with experts from the automotive, logistics, production, chemical industry, insurance, transport, airports, emergency services, fire brigades and police highlighted the urgency of integrating modern security technologies. We were particularly pleased with the intensive dialogue with research institutions and security associations that share our common goal: To revolutionise security with pioneering technology.

However, we were not only active at the stand itself, the get 2 gether with partners such as Agility One, Geutebrück, Dussmann and Sorhea directly on site was just as important to us. Our robots also roamed the halls, bringing us into contact with installers, suppliers, service providers, experts of all kinds and, of course, our stand neighbours.

We would also like to emphasise the excellent support from BAFA, which once again sponsored the ‘Young Innovaters’ at their trade fair appearance, and of course the Messe Essen team, which was always available for us and made many things possible. TOP.

Live drone presentations at the European Drone Congress

A special highlight was the European Drone Congress, which took place parallel to the trade fair. An extensive programme of presentations and discussion panels was offered at the forum over two days, with a number of companies exhibiting their drone solutions in Hall 5 in particular. We decided against a purely passive ‘product placement’ and actively used the Beehive autonomous drone system from Sunflower Labs for live demonstrations. Every day, we organised flight shows in the outdoor area FG2 of the trade fair, which demonstrated in a practical way how drones can be used in combination with networked fence sensors for intelligent perimeter surveillance.

The cooperation between drones and sensor technology is a decisive step towards monitoring large areas efficiently and securely. The trade visitors were able to experience live how drones moved through the site, verified alarms and forwarded data to monitoring centres in real time. This technology was of particular interest to project managers of extensive properties and large production sites.

Robotics at Security 2024: Our solutions up close and personal

At our stand, all systems were on display every day, moving as far as possible, running, acting with their sensors, technology you could touch, which gave visitors a very clear idea of what robotic systems are currently capable of. Specifically, we exhibited at the trade fair:

• ARGUS from SMP Robotics: Our long-range patrol model is predestined for long distances and complex areas. We presented it on its autonomous charging station and provided information about the tens of thousands of kilometres it has successfully completed in a wide variety of locations.
• Beehive from Sunflower Labs: The drone show itself demonstrated on the outdoor area how mobile surveillance can complement traditional security services, while we presented its sensor data and networking in the ACUDA system indoors.
• Spot from Boston Dynamics: The all-rounder, which can be used flexibly in a wide variety of environments, attracted numerous spectators with its smooth movements and showed how robotics can even operate in difficult terrain. Interchangeable payloads allow Spot maximum flexibility and range of applications.
• Go-Series: Our agile and fast support for security guards demonstrated how robots can relieve personnel during rapid deployments and carried an Omnilizer sensor phalanx as a payload reliably on its back for hours during the trade fair.
• B2 from Unitree Robotics: A weatherproof powerhouse, this model proved its robustness and reliability and proved to be an ideal platform for use when very heavy equipment needs to be utilised in complex environments.
• Promobot from RDI Robots: Always in a good mood, eloquent and expressive, our communication robot stood in a central position and entertained + informed the guests at Messe Essen. In use, the humanoid-looking robot serves as a digital check-in service and takes over the entire visitor reception at an event, for example.

Networking is the key – ACUDA as a platform

A central theme of our trade fair appearance was the ACUDA platform solution, which connects all systems and actuators, from robotics and sensor technology to alarm and video management. This solution makes it possible to analyse and classify alarms in real time and forward them directly to the right places – whether to an NSL, security services or the central video management system.

Our partnership with Geutebrück, which permanently analysed / displayed data as a live system at the trade fair, illustrated how this integration works. Security Robotics ensures that all video data is seamlessly integrated into the Geutebrück system, resulting in a fully comprehensive and reliable security solution.

Autonomous inspections and maintenance: efficiency through specialised payloads

The possibilities for autonomous inspections and preventive maintenance have been significantly expanded with specialised, configurable payloads for walking and wheeled robots. All models can be equipped with sensors for thermal analyses, radiation and gas measurements in order to carry out preventive fire protection, audiovisual monitoring and the detection of the smallest environmental changes. The particular advantage of these systems lies in their ability to fulfil inspection tasks in parallel with safety-related activities – such as routine patrols. This combination of functions has already aroused great interest in ongoing practical applications, for example in the manufacturing and automotive industries, as it significantly increases both efficiency and general operational safety.

Media attention and trade press on site

The media response to our trade fair appearance was overwhelming. We welcomed teams from WDR (media centre link, report from minute 73), NTV, SAT.1 and regional radio stations to our stand, to whom we gave interviews and statements on the technologies we presented. The presentations on robotics and drone systems were a particular focus. With several interviews and reports in the trade press, including Protector, GIT Sicherheit and security blogs, we were able to emphasise the importance of AI and robotics as key technologies of the future.

Trainee day and promotion of young talent

Once again this year, the Training and Further Education Day was a central component of the trade fair. In co-operation with the BDSW – Federal Association of the Security Industry, over 400 pupils, students and trainees were invited to visit the trade fair free of charge and make valuable contacts. Promoting young talent in the security industry is a key concern for us, which is why we were particularly proud to present the main prize, a Go2 robot from Unitree Robotics, to the winner of the trainee day quiz. There was also a training voucher for the Security Robotics Academy to introduce the next generation directly to the world of robotics.
Congratulations to Adrian Huber, 1st year trainee security and safety specialist at Garandus Sicherheitsdienste.

Networked + hybrid security solutions are the future

Security Messe Essen 2024 impressively demonstrated that networked, hybrid security solutions are the future of the industry. The use of robotics and AI will continue to increase and is essential to address the growing need for security and the shortage of skilled labour.

Our conclusion: We are convinced that intelligent security solutions that combine people, technology and automated systems are the key to meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

Together with our partners Agility One, Geutebrück, Sorhe and Dussmann, we have laid the foundations to play a leading role in driving these developments forward and shaping the future of the security industry in a sustainable way.