Artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines across industries, and now it has stepped into UK policing. Nottinghamshire Police are currently running a three-month trial of AI-powered robot dogs, fitted with weapon-detection cameras, LiDAR scanning, and remote communication systems. Each unit costs around £24,000 and could be introduced more widely by 2026 if the trial proves successful, according to the BBC.
The futuristic trial has raised a big question: could this technology replace frontline roles in private security, such as door supervisors?
The short answer is no. While AI robot dogs may assist in dangerous police scenarios, door supervisors remain irreplaceable. Not only are they still essential, but they are also in high demand across the UK’s security sector.
What Can AI Robot Dogs Actually Do?
To understand their impact, let’s look at what these robots are designed for.
According to Nottinghamshire Police, the AI robot dogs can:
- Detect weapons such as knives, handguns, or blunt objects using AI-powered cameras.
- Use LiDAR technology to scan and map environments in 3D.
- Operate silently and climb stairs or obstacles.
- Be remotely controlled up to one kilometre away.
- Provide reconnaissance during chemical or biological incidents.
Funded by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser, the trial is part of a wider assessment of whether robot dogs could be used operationally nationwide by 2026. Clearly, these machines are impressive — but they are built for specialist, high-risk police operations, not the everyday realities of venue security.
The Human Side of Door Supervision
While robots can scan for weapons, they cannot replace the human skills at the heart of effective door supervision.
Door supervisors provide far more than a visual presence. They:
- De-escalate conflicts with empathy and communication.
- Read subtle human behaviours such as body language and intoxication levels.
- Handle difficult conversations with judgment and discretion.
- Create a welcoming environment while ensuring customer safety.
In fact, door supervisors are often the first point of contact for guests at nightclubs, festivals, or events — balancing authority with customer service. No AI system can replicate that human interaction.
Why AI Robot Dogs Won’t Replace Door Supervisors Anytime Soon
Despite the buzz, there’s no evidence that AI units will replace security staff. In fact, there are clear reasons why this won’t happen:
- Different purpose: Robot dogs are intended for policing sieges, hostage negotiations, and high-risk environments, not supervising pubs, clubs, or stadiums.
- Legal requirements: Only licensed human professionals can check IDs, physically intervene, or refuse entry in line with SIA regulations.
- Human skills gap: Robots lack empathy, cultural awareness, and the ability to calm tense situations.
Employers are still legally obligated to employ licensed personnel for private security roles. Technology may evolve, but it will remain a support tool, not a replacement. Moreover, the benefits of an SIA door supervisor licence are numerous, and it remains one of the most versatile SIA licences in 2025.
Recommended Reading: Is Getting An SIA Licence Worth It?
How AI Could Support Door Supervisors
The reality is that AI will likely complement door supervisors rather than replace them.
In large-scale venues or festivals, for example, an AI robot could help scan crowds for concealed weapons while Door Supervisors handle entry management and crowd control. This creates smarter, safer environments, where technology provides data and humans apply judgment.
As the BBC reports, the robot dogs are being tested for their ability to “enter dangerous situations in place of humans.” That makes them valuable in extreme policing scenarios — but in everyday venue security, door supervisors remain the essential human presence. That said, the security industry is experiencing a massive technological shift. Check out our podcast where we’ve discussed the role of robots in security.
Future-Proofing Your Door Supervisor Career
Technology is evolving, and so is the security industry. To stay ahead, door supervisors must keep their training and qualifications current.
From April 2025, the SIA requires all door supervisors renewing their licence to complete refresher training. This covers updated skills in emergency first aid, physical intervention, and counter-terrorism awareness. Missing this requirement could stop you from working legally in the industry.
Future-ready supervisors will also benefit from being tech-aware — learning how to interpret surveillance data and work alongside AI tools. That’s why ongoing training is not just compliance — it’s a career investment. Get Licensed makes it easy with SIA-approved door supervisor refresher training to keep your career on track. Make sure you check your licence expiry and complete the necessary training to ensure you’re compliant.
Recommended Reading: Why SIA Refresher Training Is Crucial
Robots May Assist, But Door Supervisors Lead the Way
AI-powered robot dogs might change how the police handle extreme situations, but in the world of nightlife security, retail, and events, it’s human door supervisors who remain on the frontline. Your presence, judgement, and communication skills cannot be replaced by machines — they are what keep the public safe and venues compliant.
As the industry evolves, one thing is certain: security professionals who keep their training up to date will stay in demand. By completing your SIA training and refresher courses, you’ll not only meet legal requirements but also position yourself as a future-ready professional who can work confidently alongside new technologies.
Take charge of your future today. Explore our full range of SIA training courses, get your door supervisor licence after completing the required training, and secure your career in one of the UK’s most essential professions.
