RKS: Robotic Key System Q&A with John Loughlin of SCI

[Schuyler]

Now I suppose that the advantage of RKS vs. other electronic key/card systems out there is that the lock mechanism is more compact and robust.

And completely mechanical!

[mh]

Hi John,

I understand you are not in the lock making, but in the intellectual property business - but when could we expect announcements about the first commercial product?

Cheers,
mh

[mh]

A manual dialer provides an authorized user who knows the combination a backup means to open the lock. Although it's true that a manual dialer may not provide an audit trail the cylinder might be equiped with a sensor that could detect and record any motion of the drive disc. This sensor would likely be battery powered and be independant of the locking mechanism.

I would say that once you add any kind of electronics to the lock, there's no advantage of a "pure mechanical concept" left.

In that case, using an electric actuator and an encrypted interface (like in the Videx Cyber Lock, but a better implementation) would have many advantages over the current concept: a simpler key, less parts, cheaper, more security.
Just my EUR 0.02.

Cheers,
mh

[n2oah]

In that case, using an electric actuator and an encrypted interface (like in the Videx Cyber Lock, but a better implementation) would have many advantages over the current concept: a simpler key, less parts, cheaper, more security.

How do you propose the actuator be implemented?
I think the lock concept is super-solid as is.

[johnloughlin]

Hi John,

I understand you are not in the lock making, but in the intellectual property business - but when could we expect announcements about the first commercial product?

Cheers,
mh

Hi MH

We are looking into doing a small scale production to get the units out to the lock community. We are also looking for a partner with a suitable small scale application that could serve as a real world pilot program. Better to identify issues and vulnerabilities in the early stages.

John

[mh]

In that case, using an electric actuator and an encrypted interface (like in the Videx Cyber Lock, but a better implementation) would have many advantages over the current concept: a simpler key, less parts, cheaper, more security.

How do you propose the actuator be implemented?
I think the lock concept is super-solid as is.

Well, the Videx actuator is not solid, it's a simple solenoid

A good actuator for an electronic lock would be one that can't be manipulated by bumping, external magnetic fields, etc.


If the requirements for a seal lock include "no electronics inside the lock", the RKS is probably a very good implementation.
But if that's not a requirement, from an overall system point of view, I believe that an electronic system would be more suitable for the task.

Cheers,
mh

[n2oah]

Well, I was talking about the RKS being a solid concept. Videx Cyberlocks are junk.

[Raccoon]

John,

Has your group made any considerations about marketability and the locksmith environment? In the short and long run, how will customers interact with your company and with locksmiths with concerns of lock installation, maintenance and combo changes? Does your business model attempt to secure all customer interactions with the lock, or will you sublet specific aspects of work out to authorized dealers/locksmiths or any-joe locksmith who wishes to purchase the appropriate tools?

This being a primarily mechanical design, the longevity of the lock will surely outlive the existence of your company, in which case provisions for maintenance by locksmiths 200 years from now might be a design consideration.

[Gordon Airporte]

Now I suppose that the advantage of RKS vs. other electronic key/card systems out there is that the lock mechanism is more compact and robust.

And completely mechanical!

I guess it offers people a choice: complex electric lock/simple key (card systems) vs. simple mechanical lock/complex electric key (RKS).

[Schuyler]

I guess it offers people a choice: complex electric lock/simple key (card systems) vs. simple mechanical lock/complex electric key (RKS).

Yup, and I believe this choice lends itself to more extreme environments, like shipping containers and the like.

[n2oah]

I guess it offers people a choice: complex electric lock/simple key (card systems) vs. simple mechanical lock/complex electric key (RKS).

The former is probably a better choice. Leaving a complex electronic device outdoors simply isn't the best idea. Obtaining the code from a card system is almost too simple. People do it all the time with ATMs by making false fronts and fake card readers. You can also "borrow" it scan the code in (however, encryption and junk is something you have to deal with).
With the RKS, you're taking the delicate part of the system with you, and not exposing it to vandals/nature.
Either way, both systems have different applications. RKS is more of a universal system because it is robust. How many padlocks have you seen with magnetic code cards on them?

[mh]

Hi John,

I understand you are not in the lock making, but in the intellectual property business - but when could we expect announcements about the first commercial product?

Cheers,
mh

Hi MH

We are looking into doing a small scale production to get the units out to the lock community. We are also looking for a partner with a suitable small scale application that could serve as a real world pilot program. Better to identify issues and vulnerabilities in the early stages.

John

You are right. Good luck!
Cheers,
mh

[mh]

Leaving a complex electronic device outdoors simply isn't the best idea.

But the same goes for complex mechanical systems.
When properly sealed inside a robust housing, both have equal properties.

[n2oah]

But the same goes for complex mechanical systems.
When properly sealed inside a robust housing, both have equal properties.

Good point, but I'll always favor the RKS over most electromechanical systems.

[Gordon Airporte]

You also have to consider how things change when the audit records are not fixed to a lock... If someone steals a card in a card system you can retrieve the use records from the lock or whatever system the lock is networked into. If someone steals an RKS key the records go with it and they leave no trace of who's key is opening the lock and when.
You'd need rigorous check-in procedures for where the keys are in use so the audit data is kept current and missing keys are flagged.
Or perhaps the RKS keys could be made to interact with a wireless network of some kind to transmit the audit data, but at the cost of more bulk and complication with the key.