Topic: Robotic ball that chases burglars

SwordFish_13 · February 16th, 2005

HI,

Quote:

A large black ball, originally designed by Swedish scientists for use on Mars, could be the latest weapon in the war against burglars.

The device, developed at the University of Uppsala, acts as a high-tech security guard capable of detecting an intruder thanks to either radar or infra-red sensors. Once alerted, it can summon help, sound an alarm or pursue the intruders, taking pictures.

It is capable of travelling at 20mph, somewhat faster than a human being. Even worse for intruders, the robot ball can still give chase over mud, snow and water.

The ball relies on an internal pendulum to control its motion which, when shifted, changes the centre of gravity and starts it rolling.

Other devices, including microphones, cameras, heat sensors and smoke detectors are mounted on its central axis.

Nils Hulth, co-founder of Rotundus, the company which is marketing the ball, said it was especially well-suited to patrolling perimeter fences.

The prototype, just under 2ft in diameter, weighs about 10lb. "It is extremely light, which is why it moves so fast," Mr Hulth said.

While the current version can only raise the alarm, it could be adapted to corner an intruder if the customer wanted, Mr Hulth added.

Patrick Mercer, the Tory MP who is campaigning to give people greater rights to defend their property against burglars, thought the robot ball could have potential: "It would be interesting to see whether the ball had used grossly disproportionate force or whether it would be deemed reasonable.

"But I would much rather a burglar be terrified of householders and shopkeepers, rather than some sort of futuristic device."

Source

Peace
-=SF_13=-

Joe252 · February 16th, 2005

thats interesting

Charge 7 · February 16th, 2005

Bet it gets stolen and winds up on the basketball court.

the_13th_redneck · February 17th, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charge_7

Bet it gets stolen and winds up on the basketball court.

LOL

Pete031 · February 17th, 2005

Like The Man From UNCLE....

CDTGaticaW201 · February 17th, 2005

That is pretty interesting

But what were to happen if the burglar was armed and shot the ball, or walked up steps getting away, would the ball still be able to follow?

LOL about Basketball.

Bootboy82 · February 17th, 2005

Quote:

The prototype, just under 2ft in diameter, weighs about 10lb. "It is extremely light, which is why it moves so fast," Mr Hulth said.

They should make it 6 ft in diameter and 500 lbs heavy...

AFSteliga · February 17th, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bootboy82

They should make it 6 ft in diameter and 500 lbs heavy...

That would be amusing.

AussieNick · February 19th, 2005

Just pick it up and put it in another room.

February 16th, 2005	Post 2
Joe252 Primus Pilus	thats interesting __________________ Cadet Chief Robot> Joe252, i must tell you this. I\'m turning gay. Joe252>you dont have to tell me that im straight for christ sakes.

February 16th, 2005	Post 3
Charge 7 Master Gunner	Bet it gets stolen and winds up on the basketball court. __________________ "Do not forget your dogs of war, your big guns, which are the most-to-be respected arguments of the rights of kings." - Frederick the Great, King of Prussia

February 19th, 2005	Post 9
AussieNick Forum Digger Gear	Just pick it up and put it in another room. __________________ Platoon Commander, 4 Platoon, B Company 10/27th Battalion RSAR - RAinf PRO PATRIA

February 17th, 2005	Post 5
Pete031 Centurion Gear	Like The Man From UNCLE....

February 17th, 2005	Post 6
CDTGaticaW201 Centurion	That is pretty interesting But what were to happen if the burglar was armed and shot the ball, or walked up steps getting away, would the ball still be able to follow? LOL about Basketball.

Topic: Robotic ball that chases burglars

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