Posted on 02/14/2005 9:07:58 AM PST by TorahTrueJew
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."
bump! Rover is alive and well and living in England...
Anybody notice the link below the article to another article on "How to tackle a burglar within the law". You need to register to read it though. I can't believe this country still exists or that people want to live there!
USed to love that old Prisoner TV show.
Run, Patrick, run!
More on same subject here at FR !
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1342568/posts
PRISONER: Who is Number 1?
NUMBER 2: You are Number #6.
Now restate it.
PRISONER: Who is Number 1?
NUMBER 2: You are, Number #6.
Why do people put "BANG" as the keyword instead of "BANGLIST"? I didn't see it because I have BANGLIST bookmarked. Don't tell me I need to search for both now!
I have TWO BALLS(They Are For Other Uses)!I leave "Burglar Discouraging"up to Messrs.Smith&Wesson!!!
Topics: They want Blair out badly, main reason so many were against Bush. We scare them. We over-react to everything. They've lived with bomings for decades and held off strong military action.
My reply? "P*ssoff you poofty Wankers" followed by laughs and a few more pints.
Be seeing you!
Sounds suspiciously like Rover from The Prisoner
| |
Rovers, the Village Guardians, roam the Village and its outskirts as a constant reminder that there is no escape. There is also a Rover guarding the helicopter platform at all times, one designed for high-pressure areas which roams the ocean floor, and at least one held in reserve for special cases, activated only at the request of Number 2 or when a Supervisor declares Orange Alert. At its most basic, Rover reacts to motion, chasing the fastest-moving life-form in its immediate area, then chemically paralyzing and suffocating them. The Rover assigned to the ocean floor has eliminated all major life forms, including seaweed, off the coast of the Village. Except for occasional schools of fish and shrimp which wash past it to the shallow spots, the area is devoid of life. |
| Rovers are colloidal mechanisms which work on a fluidic principle. First synthesized as linear colloidal structures for use in microfluidics, their evolution into a spherical shape (thanks to some prodding by a team of Biotechnologists) increased their stability and their maximum possible size. While not technically living beings, it is thought they contain cellular material and genetic traits from Tetrodontidae and Diodontidae, known in the vernacular as Blow fish. Like the Rovers, these fish are able to expand to a spherical shape and release a substance known as tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin prevents transfer of impulses on a cellular level by blocking the transfer of sodium, thus causing paralysis. |  |
LOL....I dunno. I search for the title vs keywords but then since 98 I have posted about 13 or 14 threads so I can't suggest the why's.......:o)
I'm just posting a link to the other thread vs the schoolhouse scolding that some here impose when a duplicate is discoverd.
You post does have some different data.....so it's not really a duplicate IMO.
Stay safe !
The criminals will steal them as souveniers.....like those fancy globe reflectors in "upper class" gardens.
I yam not a nambah i yam a free man!
First, let's wait and see if LUCAS is going to make them there. In which case, they will not start, or will attack their owners, or simply stop working till they cool down, etc.
"Other devices, including microphones, cameras, heat sensors and smoke detectors are mounted on its central axis."
They left off the critical stun gun which, being absent, will result in this expensive ball being tossed out a window or over a wall when it actually catches the criminal.
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