How robotics and physical AI can responsibly address major physical security challenges

Robotics and artificial intelligence are deeply intertwined technologies. Where the former serves as the “body,” the latter serves as the “brain,” with organizations continuing to develop technology from traditionally rigid machinery to intelligent, adaptive agents designed to improve productivity and operational efficiency. In particular, the evolving field of physical security can benefit from advances in physical AI in recent years.

Only in 2026, finished 23 billion dollars were invested in organizations focused on improving how the two technologies interact. Much of the focus is on how developments can apply to the protection of people and property.

With increasingly complex risks and threats against critical industry infrastructure such as data centers and manufacturing facilities, organizations face new challenges in protecting these assets. The adaptive and scalable potential of physical AI and robotics, when applied responsibly, can help address these concerns and keep pace with the changing physical security landscape.

Physical security challenges arise from connectivity

Understanding the key challenges of 2026 can highlight where physical AI and robotics can fit into an organization’s physical security strategy. Nearly all major risks and threats fall into the broader categories of cyber-physical convergence, legacy constraints, and global volatility.

As cybersecurity and physical protection increasingly intersect, organizations are facing new threats. Connected security systems can include interconnected cameras, access control and sensors which, if malicious actors attacked the central platform, could leave significant vulnerabilities, exposing assets to theft, damage and disruption.

An example of the impact is last year Jaguar Land Rover accident. Stolen credentials and social engineering by supposedly state-sponsored actors gained access to the automaker’s IT infrastructure, causing major disruption. It brought physical production to a complete standstill, costing the British economy around $2.5 billion.

The incident demonstrated how legacy technologies and volatility are leading to an increasing number of cyber and physical security risks. Operating older hardware and software only allows personnel to react to events rather than attempt to prevent them, which may not be sufficient in a security environment that becomes more vulnerable with increasing tensions in both the geopolitical and socioeconomic spheres.

Robotics can mitigate the risk

Ultimately, adapting to a rapidly changing physical security climate is the key challenge for many organizations, especially in critical industries. The adaptive potential of physical AI and robotics can play a crucial role in helping to address leaders’ growing concerns about security.

At GTC Taipei 2025, robotics and physical AI companies outlined a strategy focused on the responsible, real-world deployment of these safety technologies. Robot research and development company Foxlink has introduced its “robot dog” as a next generation physical security asset designed to address key challenges related to protecting critical assets.

The feature set implemented in the quadruped robot addressed the fundamental need for physical safety: adaptive features that facilitate a more proactive safety environment. Its integrated smart sensors help observe the patrolled area, using physical AI to record, process and act on any anomalies and unusual activities.

The capability enables a scalable and proactive approach to security, using the mobility of robotics and the reasoning models of artificial intelligence to continuously learn, act and improve against complex security risks and threats. It’s a resource that can be particularly useful for corporate security and emergency response.

Real-world applications for physical security

Foxlink and Luminys’ system is just one example of what physical AI and robotics could achieve in solving security challenges. Returning to the three current categories of physical security risks and threats, we can see how technologies can offer the necessary adaptive solutions.

In cyber-physical convergence, intelligent sensors and advanced optics can help identify operational anomalies and detect potential cyber-physical breaches early. Physical AI robotics can integrate with legacy technologies to curate a more comprehensive safety system.

Large language models (LLMs) built into devices and platforms can help continuously learn to adapt to evolving threats against organizations. Combined with Generative AI for data analysisthese systems can help security teams interpret high volumes of video, access control, and sensor data, surfacing patterns that may require human review or a faster operational response.

The rapid development of physical artificial intelligence in the field of robotics only accelerates the use of resources for security purposes. I am already active in various hospitals, shopping malls and school campuses around the world.

With their scalable potential, robots and physical AI, combined with other physical security technologies, will play a critical role in creating the proactive security strategy needed to adapt to evolving challenges. They will be at the forefront of creating a system that actively closes gaps and minimizes vulnerabilities through improved detection and response capabilities.

About the author

Having trained as a journalist, Charlie Burgess now lends his writing talents and research skills to a variety of publications in the security and technology fields. Specializing in physical security, his work has appeared in publications around the world, including Business Insider Africa, ASIS InternationalAND SecurityJournalUK.