Wi-Fi Security Robots?

John Hering writes "It was bound to happen.... Security Robots that are "Wi-Fi" enabled and capable of enterprise-grade tasks. Details have emerged about a robotics platform that combines cutting edge security and wireless technologies and is capable of integration with buildings' central heating and cooling systems, security systems, air quality controls, wi-fi networks, and even lighting and power systems to provide valuable building services and emergency back-up. It can even greet guests, guide them to their destinations or lead building tours! Similar projects in the past have pushed these robotics technologies forward and spawned numerous new projects , especially amongst the linux community."

Hmmm

[crawdaddy]

A walking, talking robot? Is his name Johnny-5?

Re:Hmmm

[Motherfucking Shit]

No, his name is Johnny Wi-Five [johnny-five.com]...

Re:What operating system...

[Hortensia Patel]

I just know I'm going to get modded Troll for this

Yes, because dissing Windows on Slashdot is really sticking your head into the lion's mouth. You wild, untameable, devil-may-care, free-speaking rebel, you.

Uh oh..

[poohsuntzu]

security systems, air quality controls, I can see it now.. someone logs in trying to use an unencrypted signal. HAL: "What are you doing Dave? How do you feel?" Moron: -gasping for breath-

"enterprise-grade tasks"

[UrGeek]

"enterprise-grade tasks" Would that be NCC-1701/A/B/C or D? What a load of marketing crapspeak.

MY Wi-Fi bot...

[Tsunamisan]

The idea was of a micro air vehicle with a CCD camera and an intercom that I could control via the campus Wi-Fi network. I could sit at home in my underwear eating Cheerios and literally "land" my little robot on my desk at the 8AM antenna theory class and "attend" lectures :-)

My biggest concern would be lag that would cause me to lose control and crash into a door or the professor's head. Then again, imagine this: You're happily strolling to class and right as you get to the closed door, this tiny robot aircraft hovering there starts talking to you "Hey, little help with the door, please?"

Awesome :-)

Robocop

[ChronoWiz]

"Please put down your weapon! - You have 20 seconds to comply!
You now have 15 seconds to comply!
You now have 5 seconds to comply! 4...3...2...1..."

Money does NOT grow on trees, you know!

[malia8888]

From the article: Once a PatrolBot scans its work areas, it travels automatically to perform tasks: mapping temperatures to improve central heating and cooling efficiency; measuring wi-fi signal strength to improve coverage; enabling security guards to remotely investigate several problems simultaneously, and carrying light, emergency supplies or other equipment into an unsafe or dark building.

One of these PatrolBots was modeled after my dad. He walks up and down the halls in his blue flannel robe shutting off the lights; turning down the heat; mumbling that the company is NOT made out of money.

I can see it now...

[Undefined Parameter]

Dave: Let me out, HAL! I have to get to work!
HAL: I'm sorry, I can't do that, Dave. A fatal exception 0E has occured at 0428:C000A313 in VXD VMM(01) 00009313. The current occupant will be terminated.
Dave: Oh, crap.

~UP

Uh oh....

[Anonymous Coward]

Someone just used "wireless," "security," and "lighting and power systems" in the same sentence.

I hope theres a list of places that end up using these...so I can avoid them.

Give Us McNeal!

[Anonymous Coward]

Or we will raise the temperature of your building 1 million degrees for 5 days!

This thing is begging to be hacked.

Can they...

[segfault7375]

Can they go to meetings for me and just smile and nod? If so, where do I sign up? :)

The inevitable response...

[WillDraven]

I for one welcome out new wi-fi enabled robot overlords.

Re:"enterprise-grade tasks"

[isorox]

Would that be NCC-1701/A/B/C or D?

NCC-1701. No Bloody A, No Bloody B, No Bloody C, and No Bloody D

Lights OFF

[The Tweaker]

Maybe we could get one of these things to keep the light on in the restroom at work. Stupid think turns off after 5 minutes!
More than once I've been sitting there and the light goes off! Behind the stall door stuck in the dark what a 'bummer' LOL! Nothing like being in total darkness with your pants down!

No job is finished until the 'paper work' is done!