PENN Entertainment To Add Robots To Several Casinos

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 8, 2023

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PENN Entertainment has unveiled a collaboration with Knightscope, Inc., to introduce robot security systems to various PENN establishments throughout the United States, including the Hollywood Casino in Aurora.

The robotic systems, known as K5 Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs), might evoke memories of “Doctor Who” Daleks for some patrons.

However, these robots sport a more contemporary appearance and a notably friendlier demeanour, as much as a robot can possess such a quality.

As per Knightscope’s announcement of this partnership, the ASRs cordially greet guests with their friendly voices and function as supplementary “eyes and ears” for the existing human casino security teams.

Furthermore, the ASRs are equipped with two-way communication systems.

Aurora’s casino is an early testing ground for the robot security initiative. Hollywood Casino is among the oldest casinos in Illinois, and PENN recently obtained approval from the Illinois Gaming Board to relocate its Hollywood Casino properties.

Hollywood Casino Aurora will transition to a location near Highway 88, adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets and Fermilab—a particle physics and accelerator campus.

Meanwhile, Hollywood Casino Joliet will relocate from its current riverboat site to the Rock Run Crossings development near Interstates 80 and 55.

Both projects are slated to commence this year, positioning PENN favourably for offering online gaming in the state once online casinos are legalized in Illinois.

PENN has deployed fleets of ASRs at select properties to assess the system’s effectiveness. These deployments include M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, Nevada, Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and now at Hollywood Casino in Aurora.

The robots traverse the premises, collecting real-time security data and moving freely to facilitate data-sharing. Their primary purpose is to support security personnel and facilitate human-to-human communication via their integrated system.

These robots offer comprehensive surveillance, equipped with 360-degree viewing capabilities and infrared technology.

Although specifics on guest reactions remain scarce, William Santana Li, Chairman and CEO at Knightscope, anticipates that PENN will expand its utilization of these robots following the system’s successful testing at various sites.

Santana Li expressed enthusiasm about PENN Entertainment’s commitment to safety and guest experience, highlighting that Knightscope technologies will be deployed across PENN’s portfolio to enhance the security of many guests who visit their properties daily.