First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers

In security work today, AI mostly helps with routine guard tasks rather than replacing supervisors. For example, some buildings now use patrol robots to check badges and scan for alarms, which can save money (one report estimated ~$79K per year) ^[1]. Security analysts even call the field “well suited to automation” because of labor shortages ^[2].

However, first-line security supervisors still play a unique human role. In one industry survey, 98% of security leaders said they’re adopting AI tools, but only about 5% feared AI would completely replace their jobs ^[3]. Tasks like training guards, resolving conflicts, and making judgment calls require empathy and quick thinking – things computers can’t do yet.

In short, today’s AI and robots can watch cameras or track intruders, but they generally support supervisors rather than take over the whole job.

There are clear advantages to using AI in security, so adoption can grow. Firms can save on labor (robots and smart cameras don’t get tired or quit), and falling robot costs (now around ~$100K) make investment more attainable ^{[4] [1]}. A tight guard labor market also pushes companies to try tech solutions (robots don’t complain about late shifts).

On the other hand, there are hurdles. New AI systems still cost a lot up front, and many smaller security companies may not afford them yet ^[4]. 60–80% of businesses report that AI projects often stall because workers lack the skills or training to use them ^[5]. Security managers also note issues like legal rules, privacy concerns, and reliability (for example, ensuring AI doesn’t give false alarms) as barriers ^{[3] [4]}.