From hospitals to shopping malls and corporate offices, security robots can safely patrol a range of complex environments. State-of-the-art tech like 3D LiDAR, ultrasonic/infrared sensors, and path-planning algorithms enable modern robots to navigate better than ever.
But where are these futuristic machines actually allowed to go in Australia?
Permits, public liability concerns, and privacy laws limit where autonomous security robots can operate, especially when equipped with surveillance tools like microphones, cameras, and facial recognition.
In this post, we’re discussing where security robots can and cannot patrol to help business owners make better-informed decisions.
- Information provided is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should discuss specifics with a qualified Australian legal practitioner.
Are Security Robots Allowed on Public Property?
Operating security robots in public spaces, such as footpaths, plazas, parks, and roads, is usually prohibited without explicit permits. These areas are commonly managed by Councils and Local Governments, each with its own specific regulations.
On the whole, however, if you operate a security robot in public, you should first obtain explicit written LGA approval, any necessary safety exemptions, and suitable insurance.
If you obtain Council permission, Federal laws still apply. Under the Privacy Act 1988, for example, you can legally film, photograph, and record people in public, so long as there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Public robot activity must not be deemed offensive or indecent. Blocking infrastructure (ramps, parking spots, doorways, etc.) and recording private spaces from public areas could also breach the Act. To avoid potential harassment claims, security robots should only capture incidental public recordings, without fixating on any person or group.
Are Security Robots Allowed in Private Spaces in Australia?
The rules are more forgiving on private property, including publicly accessible places like hospitals, shopping malls, office buildings, and terminals. That’s because property owners can set entry conditions, which members of the public must consent to when entering the premises.
Nonetheless, there are caveats to consider.
The Privacy Act 1988 compels property owners to inform the public of any surveillance. Most comply by erecting easily visible signage stating, for example, ‘CCTV currently in use.’ Surveillance regulations apply equally to security cameras and security robots equipped with cameras and microphones.
Furthermore, in private property, robots must not record in areas where privacy could reasonably be expected. A security robot recording in a changeroom could breach the Act, but patrolling the aisles of a retail store likely would not.
Even within private property, covertly recording images or audio of people is generally illegal, although some Australian states allow single-party consent. Adequate, compliant signage usually means recordings are considered overt.
Understanding the Privacy Act 1988
The Privacy Act 1988 includes 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) at the Federal level that protect the collection, usage, storage, and disclosure of personal information.
- Open and transparent management
- Anonymity and pseudonymity
- Collection of solicited personal information
- Managing unsolicited information
- Notification of personal information collection
- Using and disclosing personal information
- Using personal information in marketing
- Disclosing personal information overseas
- Adopting, using, or disclosing government information
- Personal information quality
- Personal information security
- Personal information access
- Correcting personal information
Under the Privacy Act 1988, identifiable images of people (visible faces, tattoos, birthmarks, etc.) count as personal information. Businesses must comply with all 13 APPs when managing personal information through any medium, including security robot recordings.
The Australian Privacy Organisation has a list of state-specific regulations that apply in addition to the 13 APPs.
Can Robots Use Facial Recognition Technology in Australia?
Facial recognition technology (FRT) can be a polarising issue. In February 2026, an Administrative Review Tribunal changed the interpretation of FRT laws, overturning a previous ruling that had penalised the Bunnings hardware chain.
Under the new rules, the commercial use of FRT may be lawful, provided it complies with all relevant regulations, including the Privacy Act, and follows three key principles.
- Purpose: Anecessary and reasonable objective, such as reducing violence and theft.
- Transparency: The public must be informed (typically through signage) that biometric data is being collected.
- Data Purging: Non-matched FRT data must be deleted immediately. Identifiable images stored for milliseconds still usually count as personal information.
Australian Robot Technology: Your Go-To Autonomous Security Professionals
If you’re considering a security robot for your business, contact Australian Robot Technology today. As the leading experts in autonomous security, our robots feature a range of high-tech tools to keep your business safe.
- Facial and number plate recognition technology
- AI-powered loitering, intrusion, and suspicious activity detection
- On-site announcements and real-time alerts
- Incident escalation through messaging apps like WhatsApp
- ‘Follow me’ mode for tailing suspicious individuals
- Two-way communication
State-of-the-art technology and round-the-clock operation enable our robots to provide high-level protection far beyond what standard security teams and systems can offer.
