RAD's RIO Performs Beyond Original Extreme Weather Engineering Expectations

RIO autonomous security towers continue normal operations despite snow, cold, and prolonged cloud cover

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:55am

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Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX) and its subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD) reported that their RIO autonomous security towers have been surpassing their original extreme weather performance estimates, continuing normal operations despite snow, cold, and prolonged cloud cover in a deployment north of Toronto, Canada.

Why it matters

This case demonstrates that RAD's RIO towers were engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, unlike many competing systems that often degrade or shut down in extended adverse environments. The ability of RIO to maintain autonomous security operations through real-world challenges is a key differentiator for the product.

The details

A specific RIO 360 unit deployed in Vaughn, north of Toronto, has continued operations unabated despite the extreme snow and cloud cover from the recent winter storm. RAD engineered the RIO line with specific power modes and energy efficiency to ensure mission-critical operations can continue even when sunlight is limited for extended periods, unlike systems that rely on exposed solar arrays and limited energy storage.

  • This week's winter storm system has brought extreme conditions including snow, ice, and sustained cloud cover across much of the Midwest, East Coast, Southern United States, and parts of Canada.

The players

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX)

A global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, and the parent company of Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc.

Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD)

A wholly owned subsidiary of AITX that develops the RIO autonomous security towers.

Steve Reinharz

CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD.

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What they’re saying

“Outdoor security infrastructure does not get to choose its operating conditions. RIO was engineered with the assumption that sunlight would be limited, weather would be hostile, and conditions would persist longer than expected. What we are seeing during this winter storm cycle is not RIO exceeding its design; it is RIO performing exactly as intended.”

— Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD

What’s next

RAD is offering a limited promotional program tied to new RIO deployments, with orders placed by February 8, 2026 qualifying for delivery by February 20, 2026. For each qualifying deployment, RAD intends to direct 15% of the first 90 days of proceeds to a local animal shelter in the community where the RIO is installed.

The takeaway

RAD's RIO autonomous security towers have proven their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, unlike many competing systems that often degrade or shut down in extended adverse environments. This demonstrates the company's commitment to engineering security solutions that can reliably perform in real-world challenges.