A new kind of patrol officer is beginning its shift tonight. Starting February 2, the City of Salem is officially launching a two-month pilot program featuring the Daxbot, a semi-autonomous security robot, at the Pringle Parkade on High Street SE. This initiative marks the city’s latest technological leap in its ongoing effort to make sure downtown parking facilities are safe, clean, and welcoming for residents, workers, and visitors.
High-Tech Eyes on the Mid-Willamette Valley
The Daxbot is a homegrown success story. Manufactured in Philomath, Oregon, these robots are designed to bridge the gap between static security cameras and physical security patrols. Unlike traditional “robocops” that can feel cold or intimidating, Daxbots are built with a people-centric design, featuring expressive “eyes” and a non-threatening profile intended to be a friendly presence in human spaces.
Starting today, the robot will patrol the Pringle Parkade during the overnight hours of 4:00 PM to 7:00 AM. While the robot moves autonomously on randomized routes to deter nuisance activity, it is far from unmonitored. Each unit is linked to a command center in Philomath, where human personnel provide live overwatch.
How It Works: Deter, Detect, and Escalate
The Daxbot acts as a mobile, 360-degree security camera. When the robot’s sensors detect a person in the garage, a live monitor is immediately alerted. From there, a human operator assesses the situation in real-time.
- Routine Activity: If a resident is simply walking to their car, the robot continues its patrol.
- Potential Incidents: If suspicious behavior or a safety hazard is detected, the live staff can intervene via the robot’s audio system or immediately contact local security and emergency services.
This “human-in-the-loop” system is meant to make sure technology is used to enhance—rather than replace—human judgment and response.
Part of a Larger Vision for Salem
This pilot program doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is a key component of the city’s broader “Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem” initiative. As recently discussed in City Council sessions, the higher-than-expected revenue from the new downtown paid parking system has provided the city with the financial flexibility to reinvest in security.
Funding for this specific Daxbot pilot is being provided through the City’s Facilities budget. By testing the robot at Pringle Parkade first, officials can evaluate its effectiveness before potentially expanding the program to other city-owned garages, such as the Chemeketa or Marion parkades.
A Proven Track Record
While new to the city’s municipal facilities, Daxbots are already familiar faces in Salem. They have been successfully deployed at the Salem Center Mall and the 45th Parallel Building, where they have helped reduce incidents of mischief and provided a welcoming touchpoint for guests.
As Salem continues to balance the needs of a growing urban center with the desire for a safe, accessible downtown, the Daxbot represents a uniquely Oregonian solution: innovative, community-focused, and ready to work the night shift.
Links for further reading:
- Original article: Security Robot to Launch at Pringle Parkade
- About the company: Daxbot: About Us