Page 294 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

Seeing-Eye Robot
A hypothetical high-end security system of the future consists of one
or more mobile robots that resemble servants some of the time and attack
dogs at other times. The system will minimize the opportunity or desir-
ability of intrusion. If an unauthorized person enters the protected prop-
erty,the security robots will drive the offender away,or detain the offender
until police arrive. Robots of this type have been depicted in movies.
Because of these movies, some people believe that such machines will
someday become commonplace. However, there are numerous problems
with this scheme.Here,posed in the form of questions,are some examples
of the challenges facing designers of the ultimate robotic security system.
• Can such robots be fast enough, and have good enough vision, to
chase down an intruder or win a fight with a human being who is in
good physical condition?
• Can such robots be designed to detect any intruder at any time?
• Can such robots be tamper-proof?
• Can such robots be designed to withstand an assault with practically
any weapon?
• If the above questions can all be answered “Yes,” will the cost of a
system of this level ever be affordable to the average family or small
business?
• Will property owners be able to trust their security robots to work
all the time?
• What if the robot malfunctions and thinks the owner is an intruder?
• Can a machine lawfully use deadly force?
• What will be the consequences if a security robot injures or kills an
intruder?
See also POLICE ROBOT and SENTRY ROBOT.
SEEING-EYE ROBOT
Mobile smart robots have been suggested as possible replacements for
seeing-eye dogs. An advanced machine can help visually impaired people
navigate their surroundings.
A so-called seeing-eye robot must have a vision system with excellent
sensitivity and resolution. The robot must have artificial intelligence
(AI) at least equivalent to the intelligence of a dog. The machine must
be able to negotiate all types of terrain, doing such diverse things as
crossing a street, passing through a crowded room, or climbing stairs.
The Japanese, with their enthusiasm for robots that resemble living
creatures, have designed various seeing-eye robots. They are approxi-
mately the same size as live dogs. Most roll on wheels or track drives.
See also PERSONAL ROBOT.

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