Slashdot Mirror
Robotic Ferret Used To Fight Smugglers
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have created a device dubbed the "cargo-screening ferret" that is able to detect drugs, weapons, and even illegal immigrants concealed in cargo containers. The 30cm-long robot is equipped with tiny sensors that are more sensitive than any currently employed in conventional cargo scanners. The ferret will attach itself magnetically to the inside of a cargo container and sweep it for contraband, while sending a steady stream of information back to its controller. Project leader Dr Tony Dodd said, "It's essential we develop something which is simple to operate and which border agents can have total confidence in. The ferret will be able to drop small probes down through the cargo and so pinpoint exactly where contraband is concealed."
I, for one, welcome our new robotic ferret overlords.
for ferreting out those pesky illegal immigrants
Robot ferret stymied by robot Bucky Katt.
If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
If we can get it down to the size of a hamster we'll be rid of drug mules too (along with the vast majority of the traveling public).
If you didn't come to party don't bother knocking on my door. Prince '1999'
one by one your cargo containers end up missing, you chalk it up to random
coincidence every so often, then one day while doing inventory you find a
horde of socks^H^H^H^H^H^ *cargo* stuffed away in a cubby hole of your shipyard.
...the robotic gerbil was!
Didn't they open for Led Zeppelin back in '75?
Best Slashdot Co
So if you're a dog that relies on sniffing out cargo containers, you have about five years to look for other work.
So the "John Henry" story of the 21st century will be between a dog and a robot ferret?
All ideas^H^H^H^H^Hprocesses in this post are Patent Pending. (as well as the process of patenting all postings)
Greedo: Jabba's through with you. He has no use for smugglers who drop their shipments at the first sign of an electronic ferret.
"Beware the Roboferrets, my son!
With probes that snoot and ferrule claws!
Beware the cargo rats, and shun
Their infradigious smugseeking maws!"
Don't blame me, I voted for Baltar.
"He said working prototypes of the cargo-screening ferret could be ready for testing within two years, with potential deployment within around five years."
Seems sort of early to be claiming it's been created...
This sig contains a manual self-destruct. Kindly please put your foot through your monitor in 8 seconds.
But can you put them in your pants?
Hoist Number One and Number Six.
I'm currently looking into developing a Robot Gerbil to perform prostate exams ...