2011-10-25

Rotundus' GroundBot a Spherical Surveillance Robot




BLDGBLOG: Eye Roller



The GroundBot system by Swedish firm Rotundus is a remote-controlled, all-weather polycarbonate sphere that "can trundle through snow, mud and sand as it supplies a live feed via a pair of cameras," Wired UK explains. "Its operator sees the image in 3D on a screen."

Security rolls out thanks to the Rotundus GroundBot (Wired UK)

The GroundBot is steered via a pendulum housed inside a hollow sphere, which swings outwards on its axle, pushing the robot in the desired direction. A cluster of accelerometers, gyros, GPS and a magnetometer keeps the GroundBot on track as it rolls along at speeds of up to 10kph. But this isn't just a moving camera. "Future developments include the GroundBot recognizing objects and reporting obstacles it encounters to an operator," says Rotundus CEO Johan Bäcke.

The GroundBot is undergoing trials with Saab and the Swedish Defence Forces; if successful, it could be, um, rolled out and put to use in airports and other locations in need of surveillance. And then the snoozing security guard might be consigned to history.

Rotundus

What are the advantages?

• Weighing just 25 kg, GroundBot™ won’t get stuck in sand, mud or snow.
• All cameras/sensors and mechanics are protected inside the sealed sphere.
• GroundBot™ is efficient and can run up to 10 km/h (6 mph) - without making a sound.

• GroundBot™ can operate for 8-16 hours depending on mission profile

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Where can GroundBot™ be used?

GroundBot™ helps increase security and cuts costs at places such as –

• Airports
• Harbors
• Power plants
• Warehouses
• Perimeter protection
• Border security

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Source: Rotundus