SECURITY GUARDBOT

The benefits of a robotic security or surveillance are numerous:
1. Humans are removed from direct exposure to potential danger;
2. Robots perform most security and surveillance better than humans;
3. Robots don't get bored and inattentive during long hours of surveillance;
4. Robots don't participate in "inside jobs."
In addition, the robotic site-security application has certain advantages.

Security: The Actron Wolf^TM is a fully operational tracked mobile robot. Each track is equipped with its own suspension system. The robot can move at speeds as high as 10 ft/sec, even while climbing or descending stairs. It can pivot about its center and make sharp, accurate turns. The Wolf^TM's dimensions are 42" long, 24" wide, and 27" high. It weighs 150 lbs and is constructed in three major parts: lower chassis, upper chassis, and sensor turret.

The lower chassis contains the robot's propulsion, suspension, and electrical power systems. The upper chassis houses all computer and electronic processing equipment, including user-interface devices. On top of the twelve-sided sensor turret is a CCD camera, which can be rotated 90 degrees to each side and 45 degrees up and down; it is used to detect distant obstacles.

Robots are an intriguing technology that can straddle both the physical and social world of people. Inspired by animal and human behavior, capable robotic creatures with a living presence are now being developed, so we can gain a better understanding of how humans will interact with this new kind of technology. People will physically interact with them, communicate with them, understand them, and teach them all in familiar human terms. Ultimately, such robots will possess the social savvy, physical adeptness, and everyday commonsense to partake in people's daily lives in useful and rewarding ways.