Smooth_groover Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 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."WTF ?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 what's stopping the intruder just picking it up and running away with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Zeenat Aman Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 The inspiration perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smooth_groover Posted February 20, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 what's stopping the intruder just picking it up and running away with it?LOL exactly, this has to be the most random and stupid idea since sliced bread ?( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 The inspiration perhaps?let's see how that thing holds up against this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smooth_groover Posted February 20, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 let's see how that thing holds up against this.LOL, funny as fuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Found Power Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 "Why did you think that a giant balloon would stop them?""SHUT UP! That's why." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smooth_groover Posted February 20, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 what would YOU do if giant balls came flying towards you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delly Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Imagine going for a pee in the middle of the night and it chase you or it starts chasing the dog OR you come in late drunk forgetting it is on hehehe thats me amused for the night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smooth_groover Posted February 20, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Imagine going for a pee in the middle of the night and it chase you or it starts chasing the dog OR you come in late drunk forgetting it is on hehehe thats me amused for the nightLOL, I can just imagine stumbling into my house drunk one night and this big ball looking back at you as if to say "don't fuck" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smooth_groover Posted February 20, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 LOL that would be too funny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeinzHines Posted February 20, 2005 Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 Oh no a giant ball is chasing me...what will i do????If anything has turned me around from robbing houses....its that giant ball..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smooth_groover Posted February 20, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2005 But you could steal it and make it your own... 'train' it to become your master instead LOL to ball: "attack anyone exept from me" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Ascension Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 "Why did you think that a giant balloon would stop them?""SHUT UP! That's why."good simpsons quote.Maybe if the ball was fitted with weapons - fuck the camera the first thing i'd put on is a taser gun and a fucking chainsaw!Then i'd like to see a burglar pick that shit up! However, in its current state, it is infact useless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feeble! Posted February 21, 2005 Report Share Posted February 21, 2005 Haha, this is a joke - just run up some stairs if you're burgling a house and get chased by one of these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modsquad Posted February 22, 2005 Report Share Posted February 22, 2005 Sod taking pictures. A flamethrower would do the job rather well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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