Knightscope
Knightscope is an American security robot company, cofounded in 2013 by William Santana Li, a former Ford executive who is chairman and CEO, and Stacy Stephens, a former Dallas police officer. Its founders cited the Sandy Hook shooting, the Boston bombings and the 9/11 attacks as motivation. The company builds autonomous data robots for malls, parking lots, schools, hospitals and campuses: the K1 stationary weapon detector, the K3 indoor robot, the K5, its bullet-shaped outdoor flagship, introduced in 2015, and the K7 multi-terrain robot, unveiled on 13 November 2025. Robots are usually rented as a service, priced in 2017 at about US$7 per hour to compete with minimum-wage labour. Knightscope listed on Nasdaq under KSCP on 27 January 2022 after a Reg A+ offering, acquired CASE Emergency Systems in 2022, and reported 2025 revenue of US$11.3 million and a net loss of US$33.8 million.
💡Notable Achievement: Knightscope listed on Nasdaq (KSCP) on 27 January 2022 and unveiled the K7 security robot on 13 November 2025.
What Does Knightscope Do?
Knightscope is a Nasdaq-listed company whose K-series autonomous security robots patrol parking lots, campuses and other public areas, sold as a subscription service.
“Security guard robots on a rental model.”
Robots as a Service
Robots were priced around US$7 per hour in 2017.
K-Series Range
K1, K3, K5 and the new K7.
Public Company
Nasdaq KSCP since January 2022.
What Can Knightscope Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Autonomous outdoor and indoor security patrol.
Security Patrol
K5 patrols outdoors, detecting license plates and suspicious activity.
Knightscope Robots
Showing 1 of 1 total model
The K5 ASR
Manufactured by Knightscope
The K5 ASR by Knightscope is a fully autonomous security robot designed for continuous patrolling in commercial properties, public spaces, and hospitality environments. Standing at eye level with 360-degree high-resolution cameras, it provides real-time surveillance, AI-driven threat detection, and proactive deterrence through its imposing physical presence. Equipped with advanced sensors for obstacle avoidance, the K5 navigates complex indoor and outdoor terrains independently, automatically returning to charging stations without human intervention. It features two-way audio communication, programmable multilingual messages, and integration with the Knightscope Security Operations Center (KSOC) for remote monitoring, live alerts, and data insights. Ideal for hotels, airports, retail spaces, and campuses, the K5 enhances safety, reduces staffing needs, and operates 24/7 in all weather conditions, delivering reliable presence and rapid response capabilities.
Knightscope Software & AI Ecosystem
Developer platforms, fleet management portals, autonomy intelligence, and enterprise integrations
Knightscope Security Operations Center
Alerts and Reporting
Software that receives detections and alerts from the robot fleet for security staff.
Knightscope Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
Knightscope cofounded
William Santana Li and Stacy Stephens cofound Knightscope in response to attacks such as Sandy Hook, aiming to protect people with autonomous security robots.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
K5 security robot introduced
Knightscope introduces the K5 autonomous security robot and ships its first robot, later deployed at schools, hospitals, campuses and transport hubs.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Knightscope lists on Nasdaq
Knightscope begins trading on Nasdaq under the ticker KSCP after a Reg A+ offering that raised about US$22 million.
Source: therobotreport.com
CASE Emergency Systems acquisition completed
Knightscope completes its acquisition of CASE Emergency Systems, which makes emergency call boxes, expanding into safety communications.
Source: nasdaq.com
K7 autonomous security robot unveiled
Knightscope unveils the K7, a light-duty, off-road robot for patrolling large outdoor areas, with limited series deployments expected from the second half of 2026.
Source: businesswire.com
What Makes Knightscope Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓Pioneer in security robots with a public listing.
- ✓Recurring-revenue service model.
Core Strategic Focus
Deploying K7 and expanding police department contracts.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •Net loss of US$33.8 million on US$11.3 million revenue in 2025.
- •Privacy and effectiveness debates around security robots.
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
CASE Emergency Systems
Emergency call box maker bought in October 2022.
Ownership & Acquisition History
Emergency call box maker bought in October 2022.
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
Knightscope Headquarters
HQSunnyvale, United States
Articles & Industry News
Showing 1 recent article and news updates about Knightscope
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about Knightscope
What is Knightscope?
Knightscope is a Nasdaq-listed American company that builds autonomous security robots, such as the K5, that patrol malls, parking lots, schools, hospitals and campuses.
Who founded Knightscope?
William Santana Li, a former Ford executive, and Stacy Stephens, a former Dallas police officer, cofounded Knightscope in 2013. Li is chairman and CEO.
What robots does Knightscope make?
Knightscope makes the K1 stationary weapon detector, the K3 indoor robot, the K5 outdoor patrol robot and the K7 multi-terrain robot unveiled in November 2025.
How much does a Knightscope robot cost?
Knightscope rents robots as a service. In 2017 its pricing was about US$7 per hour per robot, designed to compete with minimum-wage security labour.
Is Knightscope publicly traded?
Yes. Knightscope began trading on Nasdaq under the ticker KSCP on 27 January 2022 after a Reg A+ offering that raised about US$22 million.
How is Knightscope doing financially?
Knightscope reported revenue of US$11.3 million and a net loss of US$33.8 million for 2025, according to its Wikipedia profile.
What did Knightscope buy in 2022?
Knightscope completed its acquisition of CASE Emergency Systems on 20 October 2022. CASE makes emergency call boxes, which extended Knightscope into safety communications.
What can the K5 do?
The K5 has license plate reading, thermal imaging and other detection features, and reports suspicious activity to security teams while patrolling outdoor areas autonomously.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official Knightscope datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.