Security firms turn to autonomous drones and robot dogs amid guard turnover crisis

Robotics security firm Asylon deploys autonomous drones and robot dogs to patrol large sites, offering a service that costs $120,000-$170,000 annually, as the industry faces an 89% turnover rate among guards.

Asylon Robotics sells a comprehensive security solution that combines autonomous drones, robot dogs, software, maintenance and a remote operations center for an annual fee of $120,000 to $170,000, depending on patrol frequency. The company argues that this price is lower than the national average cost of a fully staffed 24/7 guard shift, which runs about $250,000 per year, presenting a clear return on investment. A July report from the UC Berkeley Labor Center highlights a severe retention problem in the security sector, with an 89% turnover rate in 2024 and peaks near 99% in 2022, forcing employers to constantly replace departing workers.

To address staffing gaps and reduce the high fatality risk—guards die at more than twice the overall worker rate—clients are using Asylon's robots to cover isolated night patrols and repetitive perimeter checks. The robots operate autonomously for roughly 90% of a typical patrol, while a single remote operator oversees six to eight units and validates any alerts. At Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a robot dog named Benzie has reportedly eliminated theft and vandalism since its deployment. Nonetheless, the technology cannot fully replace human guards, who remain essential for complex navigation, conflict de-escalation and mental-health crisis response.