Burgular-chasing robot balls

[MrShooter]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...14/wball14.xml

Robotic ball that chases burglars
By David Millward
(Filed: 14/02/2005)

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."

Makes me think of half-life 2...

[ViperGTS]

Yeah becuase the bugler wont turn around and just pick it up...

[Fragmatic]

Originally Posted by ViperGTS

Yeah becuase the bugler wont turn around and just pick it up...

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

Yeah because the burglar won't have his picture taken and eventually get caught...

[ViperGTS]

How would they get the pics if he stole the freaking robot to?

[Fragmatic]

Originally Posted by ViperGTS

How would they get the pics if he stole the freaking robot to?

It's probably got a tracker in it.

[ZionsFire]

*me imagines nail gun on top of rolling ball of doom*

Mwahahahaha

[Giovanni]

You know... it pains me to admit it but... Frag and the article are about the only thing that makes any sense in this thread. Oh and when it comes to spelling "burglar" you guys take the cake!

[MattxMosh]

Add some pepper spray or a tazer, and Ill buy one.

[Fragmatic]

Originally Posted by MattxMosh

Add some pepper spray or a tazer, and Ill buy one.

Would be no good for home defence.

How would it go up stairs/over fences?

[Ivan]

I don't know about you guys but I'd love to be chased by big black balls.

[Strygun]

Originally Posted by Fragmatic

Would be no good for home defence.

How would it go up stairs/over fences?

make it bouncy.

[MattxMosh]

Originally Posted by Fragmatic

Would be no good for home defence.

How would it go up stairs/over fences?

Who cares, I just want it to chase children and pets.

[Fragmatic]

Originally Posted by MattxMosh

Who cares, I just want it to chase children and pets.

oh, in that case -

GET ONE

[Lonehunter]

*Breaks into house*

*Starts looting jewelry*

*Runs downstairs*


"Oh shit a small moving black ball!"



For some reason I don't think it woudl corner me.



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