Knightscope Inc. (NASDAQ: KSCP) reported record second-quarter 2026 revenue of $9 million, a 228% increase from $2.7 million in the same period last year. The security technology firm achieved a positive gross margin for the second consecutive quarter, driven by the integration of its Security Force acquisition and growth in core autonomous security robot (ASR) subscriptions.

Financial Performance

Revenue growth was primarily fueled by the full-quarter contribution from the Security Force acquisition, alongside continued expansion in ASR subscriptions and access control device (ACD) deployments. This marks two consecutive quarters of triple-digit year-over-year revenue growth for the company.

Gross margin improved to $0.7 million, or approximately 7% of revenue, compared to a gross loss of $0.9 million in the prior-year period. Management attributed this structural improvement to the accretive nature of the Security Force acquisition and margin expansion across technology product lines.

Operating expenses rose to $13.8 million from $5.4 million a year ago, reflecting increased investments in research and development (R&D) for next-generation technologies, higher headcount, and integration costs. Despite the expense increase, the acquisition added higher-margin revenue that leveraged existing operating infrastructure.

The net loss widened to $14.1 million, or $0.79 per share, from $6.3 million, or $0.90 per share, in Q2 2025. This deterioration was driven by higher operating expenses and approximately $1 million in other expenses related to the fair value change of contingent consideration (earn-out) from the recent acquisition.

What the Numbers Show

While top-line growth is accelerating, profitability remains distant due to heavy operational spending. Operating expenses ($13.8 million) were more than 15 times the gross profit ($0.7 million) generated in the quarter. This divergence highlights that while the integrated service model is generating positive gross margins, the fixed cost base required for R&D and corporate infrastructure has not yet scaled proportionally with revenue. The company’s cash position of $8.2 million remains flat compared to the prior year, indicating that current cash generation is insufficient to cover the widening net losses without external capital or further operational leverage.

Strategic Outlook

Knightscope serves 434 clients across 42 states. The company emphasized its strategy of blending hardware, software, and human agents into a single managed service. Management targets a blended gross margin of 50-60% over time through this integrated approach.

Key strategic initiatives include:

• K7 Robot: Passed alpha prototype review; initial deployments planned for Q4 2026.
• Signals Platform: A new software orchestration tool combining 3D digital twin technology with AI agents.
• Security Force Integration: Continued cross-selling of technology to the acquired firm’s client base and human services to existing tech clients.

CEO William Santana Li highlighted upcoming milestones, including the launch of the autonomous security force at GSX 2026 in September and initial K7 deployments in the fourth quarter. The company also noted strong interest in its H1 wearable technology for augmented security agents.

Knightscope, Inc. (NASDAQ: KSCP) unveiled a special "250 Years of Freedom" tribute livery on its all-new K7 Autonomous Security Robot at GSX 2026 in Atlanta. The one-of-a-kind machine, finished in stars and stripes, honors the semiquincentennial of American independence and is on display through September 16.

The company simultaneously published its fifth field brief, Human Capabilities, mapping the workforce structure supporting the Autonomous Security Force. The release defines the human roles operating within the ASF-7 escalation model as Knightscope debuts the force at the Global Security Exchange.

The K7 Tribute Livery

The special livery carries the flag across the K7’s hood, with "250 YEARS OF FREEDOM" inscribed along its flank and "DESIGNED AND BUILT IN AMERICA" across its nose. The K7 is the newest machine in the Autonomous Security Force, making its public debut alongside the full Force lineup.

William Santana Li, Founder, Chairman and CEO, stated that the livery represents the mission. He noted that every Knightscope machine is designed and built in Silicon Valley by an American-owned and controlled, publicly traded company with U.S.-only operations.

"Everything we put in the field is designed and built in America, by a team that believes the next 250 years of freedom are worth protecting," Li said.

The Human Layer

The Human Capabilities brief distinguishes between roles on the watch and those behind it. On the watch, six forms of licensed agents operate under one Code with no third parties between the Force and clients.

• Executive Protection Agent: Covers high-risk executives and travel under the same escalation model as the rest of the Force.
• Armed Security Agent: Firearm-qualified under state law with defined restraint and authority.
• Unarmed Security Agent: Licensed, vetted, and deployed on post or patrol.
• Embedded Security Agent: Present on client premises daily, inside the operation but not absorbed by it.
• Augmented Security Agent: Equipped with Knightscope’s H1 device, connected to Signals for verified alerts and operational picture parity with machines.

Behind the watch sits Mission Operations, described as the operational backbone. This internal department includes Mission Intelligence Analysts who verify alerts against digital twins 24/7, Mission Success Specialists who serve as standing client contacts, Mission Reliability Specialists who close technical loops, and Mission Service Technicians who handle deployment and maintenance.

Competitive Context

This release builds on the second field brief, Competitive Comparison, which contrasted the Autonomous Security Force with traditional guard firms and technology point solutions. Those earlier materials highlighted issues with accountability fragmentation and industry turnover exceeding 100% annually.

The new brief reinforces that agents hold equity in Knightscope, receive full benefits, and start paid training on day one. Li stated that judgment is not a line item and requires investment in people who own outcomes.

GSX 2026 Presentation Details

Li and Security Force President Eric Rose will present "Robots and Humans in Security: Where the Lines Intersect and What Comes Next" at GSX 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 15, at 10:00 am ET in Room B306.

Knightscope is debuting the Autonomous Security Force at Booth #3905 during the exhibition at the Georgia World Congress Center from September 14-16, 2026. The company is also sponsoring Secure Horizons, an exclusive program for senior security executives held September 12-13.

Private demonstrations are hosted in the Signals VIP Lounge. Security leaders can download the Human Capabilities brief and reserve time in advance.

OSPA Award Finalist

Edwin “Eddie” Vasquez, Knightscope’s Site Director of Security, was named a finalist for Contract Security Manager/Director of the Year at the 2026 US Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). Winners will be revealed on September 13, 2026.

Operational Scale

Knightscope serves 434 clients across 42 states. To date, the company’s machines have logged more than 4.4 million autonomous hours in the field.