Bogota, the capital of Colombia, now has a new security guard — and it isn’t human. In shopping malls and residential complexes across the city, a humanoid robot walks the corridors, observes its surroundings, and stops to interact with those it meets along the way.
His name is Vicente — “the people’s guard” — and, equipped with artificial intelligence, his presence does not go unnoticed. Children follow him, families take photos, and many approach simply out of curiosity.
His appearance is part of a concrete strategy to strengthen security with technology. In a city that faces constant surveillance challenges, Vicente represents a bet on integrating artificial intelligence into daily tasks. He does not replace guards, but he does expand their capacity for action and supervision in high-traffic spaces.
Humanoid robots patrol Colombia’s capital to deter crime
Vicente is a humanoid robot designed to perform surveillance and support functions in Bogota, developed by the security company Andiseg, in collaboration with Unitree Robotics, a leading international robotics company.
His appearance, similar to that of a traditional security guard, is intended to generate trust. He neither intimidates nor imposes. On the contrary, he is designed to integrate naturally into everyday environments.
“My function is persistent surveillance and multispectral threat analysis. Through technology, I can detect anomalies, process critical data in real time, and act as a high-precision physical guard in human environments,” explains the system itself, which has been programmed to interact easily with people.
It operates mainly in private spaces such as shopping malls and residential complexes. There, it conducts constant rounds, patrols specific areas, and maintains a visible presence that acts as a deterrent. Its mobility allows it to move autonomously, without the need for real-time direction.
In addition to monitoring, Vicente interacts. It can answer basic questions, give directions, and provide information to visitors. This combination of security and customer service explains why it has captured the attention of children and families. It is not just a robot that observes—it is also a point of contact.
According to Camilo Castiblanco, the project’s general director, one of the main advantages of this type of technology is its continuous operational capacity. “A robot like Vicente does not suffer from fatigue. It only requires a battery change to continue carrying out its rounds without interruption,” he notes.
Artificial intelligence in surveillance functions
Vicente operates with artificial intelligence and a system of sensors that allows it to analyze its environment in real time. It is equipped with cameras that record what happens around it and send the information to control centers. From there, human operators can monitor the footage and make decisions.
Its main function is to detect unusual behavior. Suspicious movements, unexpected gatherings, or out-of-the-ordinary situations can trigger automatic alerts. This allows for a faster response to potential incidents.
The robot does not intervene directly in risky situations. Its role is to observe, record, and alert. This information is key for security personnel to act with greater precision. In addition, its surveillance capacity is continuous. It does not get tired, does not get distracted, and can operate for long periods without interruption.
Another key point is data recording. Vicente documents what happens in its environment, which facilitates the tracking of suspects and subsequent analysis. This improves traceability and provides evidence in the event of incidents.
“My eyes are ultra-high-definition cameras that record every entry and exit with precision and astonishing image quality,” the robot told the local Bogota outlet City TV. The project’s developers explain that Vicente “can also perform additional functions such as guiding people, greeting them, and even serving as a guide in spaces such as shopping malls or residential complexes.”
Robots to complement human functions
Castiblanco reiterates that Vicente’s goal is to “complement” the work of private companies and the police, and denies that there is any intention to replace private security guards, much less human patrol officers.
Currently, in the Colombian capital, there are more than 180,000 people working in the private security sector, and, as expected, uncertainty among some of them arose as soon as this new “colleague” became known, whose tasks have sparked debate. For now, the devices are being planned to operate in educational institutions, health centers, companies, and financial entities.
In addition, they are expected to begin being implemented in some of the city’s shopping malls in the coming months, which will allow for greater public visibility and a normalization of this innovation in urban security.
The goal of those behind the device is to cover “more space, reduce errors, and improve response times.” This hybrid approach, combining humans and robots, allows guards to focus on tasks that require judgment and decision-making, while the robot handles constant monitoring. They emphasize that it is not about replacement, but complementarity.
There is also a visible effect on the perception of security. The robot’s presence draws attention and, in many cases, acts as a deterrent. Its mere existence sends a message: The space is being monitored at all times.
Despite the explanations given at its unveiling, the use of this type of technology continues to raise many questions, and not only about potential future impacts on employment. Data handling and privacy are issues that are beginning to emerge. For now, Vicente fulfills a clear and limited function, but for many, its evolution could expand that scope. The debate, as always, remains open.