Work Safety 24/7

Dedicated to helping businesses and individuals prioritize safety, health, and compliance in the workplace. From small startups to large corporations, safety is essential, and we're here to make it easier.

Knightscope awarded authority to operate by U.S. federal government

Knightscope receives fed approval after 3-year push to land on FedRAMP marketplace

By Tim Culverhouse 
January 4, 2024

Knightscope, Inc. a developer of autonomous security robots and blue light emergency communication systems, recently announced that it has received its Authority to Operate (ATO) from the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

FedRAMP is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.

This ATO means that Knightscope will eventually be listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace as an approved provider for federal agencies as a next step and can also begin its deployment processes to perform on the contract awarded by the VA for its first K5 ASR.

Knightscope's three-year effort pays off

“We believe going through this intense and rigorous process has improved our security posture, which also will positively impact commercial and civilian applications,” said Mercedes Soria, Knightscope EVP and Chief Intelligence Officer, who led the charge in reaching this milestone. "Knightscope’s ATO achievement proves our organizational focus on cyber security and our unwavering commitment to our mission of better securing our country."
“The multi-year effort to acquire the ATO showcases the relentless nature of the Knightscope team and significantly increases the TAM (Total Addressable Market) that the company can serve. Now it is time tobuild on that momentum as we continue to execute our multi-phase Roadmap,” said William Santana Li, Knightscope Chairman and CEO.

Automated gunshot detection, K5 robot partnership with NYPD

To coincide with Knightscope's authority to operate in FedRAMP, the California-based company also made two announcements in the public safety field in 2023.
Knightscope signed a pilot contract with NYPD in April 2023 for the force to use its K5 robot to help patrols in Manhattan. The program debuted in Summer 2023 and was initially deployed in the Times Square area to assist patrols in one of the country's busiest tourist destinations.
In July, the company announced its automated gunshot detection system for mobile security robots. The feature was added after consultation with schools, corporations, airpots and other industries as part of their active threat and emergency response plans. The automated gunshot detection system was integrated as part of new K1 Blue Light Towers, or offered as an upgrade to the over 7,000 Knightscope devices already in use across the country.
 

More about Knightscope

About Tim Culverhouse

Tim Culverhouse

Tim is the Editorial Director of Robotics247.com. His mission is to provide valuable information and insights to robotics professionals and decision-makers, and to help them solve business challenges. He is a creative, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented storyteller. In addition, he is a sports broadcaster and public address announcer.

Follow Work Safety 24/7
on Facebook
on Linkedin

Related Topics

News   Autonomy   Defense   Government   Knightscope   Manufacturing   Mobile Robots   Police   Safety   Security   All topics
 

Subscribe

Subscribe to our FREE magazine, FREE email newsletters or both!

Join our Safety Briefing newsletter and get safety news across logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, con­struc­tion, and other high-risk environments. Get the latest regulatory updates, alerts, safety products, equipment and training, and analysis.

Subscribe today

 
 

Editors’ Picks

OSHA recognizes worker protections on National Whistleblower Day 2026
OSHA marked National Whistleblower Day 2026 by recognizing workers who report safety concerns and highlighting protections available through its Whistleblower…
NIOSH cancels July 28-30 Black Lung screenings in Morgantown, WV
NIOSH canceled its Black Lung screenings scheduled for July 28-30 at Mylan Park in Morgantown, West Virginia. Learn here how to find the next available dates and…
CSB releases final report on toxic fire at Georgia Bio-Lab
The CSB identified 5 key safety issues after investigating a toxic fire at Bio-Lab in Conyers, Georgia. It again urged OSHA and the EPA to expand reactive hazards…
Sign up now for OSHA's 2026 Safe & Sound Week
Organizations can celebrate and launch successful workplace safety and health programs by signing up for OSHA’s 2026 Safe & Sound Week, scheduled for Aug.…