Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye Networks, has acquired Cobalt Robotics, rebranding it as Cobalt AI to signify its expanded focus on AI-powered security solutions beyond robotics.
Founded in 2016, Cobalt Robotics originally specialized in AI-powered robot security guards and developed a suite for monitoring security and facilities management applications. The acquisition by Drako marks a strategic shift for the company, aiming to enhance automation capabilities through AI with human verification.
Ken Wolff remains CEO of Cobalt AI, while Drako assumes the role of chairman. The company plans to intensify investments in research and development as well as sales execution to bolster its enterprise offerings.
Cobalt AI’s flagship products include autonomous robots equipped with over 60 sensors such as lidar and thermal cameras. These robots navigate facilities autonomously, conducting security patrols to detect potential breaches in corporate and commercial environments.
The company emphasizes that its robots significantly outperform human security guards, conducting five times more patrols per shift. This efficiency allows human professionals to focus more on responsive tasks rather than constant observation.
In addition to robotic security solutions, Cobalt AI provides an AI-powered Command Center platform. This platform enables live remote monitoring of surveillance cameras and alarms, leveraging AI to detect and alert security teams to potential issues using existing camera feeds. It also manages alarms, controls remote unlocking, and sends emergency notifications via phone and email.
Cobalt AI’s innovative approach has garnered notable clients such as FedEx and Salesforce, positioning the company as a leader in the AI-powered security sector. Drako believes that Cobalt AI’s technology represents a paradigm shift in security operations, making monitoring and guarding more effective and efficient through advanced AI capabilities.
The acquisition and rebranding reflect Drako's vision to advance Cobalt AI’s impact in the security industry, leveraging its open platform strategy to integrate with various video and access systems, aligning with his commitment to open product strategies.
As Cobalt AI continues to innovate, it aims to redefine security standards with its AI-driven solutions, setting a new benchmark for effective and scalable security operations globally.
