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Wi-Fi Security Robots?
John Hering writes "It was bound to happen.... Security Robots that are "Wi-Fi" enabled and capable of enterprise-grade tasks. Details have emerged about a robotics platform that combines cutting edge security and wireless technologies and is capable of integration with buildings' central heating and cooling systems, security systems, air quality controls, wi-fi networks, and even lighting and power systems to provide valuable building services and emergency back-up. It can even greet guests, guide them to their destinations or lead building tours! Similar projects in the past have pushed these robotics technologies forward and spawned numerous new projects , especially amongst the linux community."
...do these security robots run? I just know I'm going to get modded Troll for this, but with all due respect, I wouldn't feel terribily comfortable with a company whose security bots run Windows. I'll feel especially freaked out when the security bots advance to the point where they are actually armed. Can you imagine Windows BSoDing on one of these things, and causing a gun to fire? Gives me the shivers. And I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it happens... (shit, if the Navy can base an entire warship around Windows...)
Honey, I shrunk the Cygwin
I hope you all have seen Sony's QRIO ROBOT. It's that humanoid robot. More like an AIBO in the human form.
Can do all that the AIBO can, and can do it all a lot better cause it can carry a lot more equipment. It has Wi-Fi, and a customizable software that lets you control all cameras / motion / etc. It can be used as an autonomous creature, or be remote controlled.
A customized version could easily do security robot tasks.
Read more about it here.
Futuristic-looking? Check.
Create enough hype to get VC, DARPA and NIH funding? Check.
In reality though, these are a far cry from being practical, cost-effective replacements for human security or maintenance personell. Well, maybe HP R&D does use them but that's about it as far as practical applications go (at least at this point). It just doesn't make sense to employ these outside of a tradeshow or R&D environment from a business point of view.
What happens, for instance, if an intruder does decide to jam the WiFi network (not really that hard to do)? Do the robots have the AI required to perform their scheduled tasks autonomously? Or will they require human supervision and internvetion (in that case, they aren't really anything more than cool, mobile surveillance cameras).
I'm sorry but I just don't see any practical applications (aside from, maybe, logistics) for these robots at this point.
The idea was of a micro air vehicle with a CCD camera and an intercom that I could control via the campus Wi-Fi network. I could sit at home in my underwear eating Cheerios and literally "land" my little robot on my desk at the 8AM antenna theory class and "attend" lectures :-)
:-)
My biggest concern would be lag that would cause me to lose control and crash into a door or the professor's head. Then again, imagine this: You're happily strolling to class and right as you get to the closed door, this tiny robot aircraft hovering there starts talking to you "Hey, little help with the door, please?"
Awesome
Did anyone thought of the social impacts these "wifi robots" can bring? i mena, here at Portugal this kind of job is usually done by retired men and young people that couldn't find another job. If these robots substitute humans, more unemployed people will appear. Social-unfriendly technology isn't the way to go, IMHO.
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One of these PatrolBots was modeled after my dad. He walks up and down the halls in his blue flannel robe shutting off the lights; turning down the heat; mumbling that the company is NOT made out of money.
Harpo Tunnel Syndrome--my wrist feels funny.
Dave: Let me out, HAL! I have to get to work!
HAL: I'm sorry, I can't do that, Dave. A fatal exception 0E has occured at 0428:C000A313 in VXD VMM(01) 00009313. The current occupant will be terminated.
Dave: Oh, crap.
~UP
Eat the Path.
As opposed to someone that hacks into your network and has access to your entire network?
My freedom ends where someone else's begins