New security robot doubles as facility operations' Wi-Fi robotic assistant

Citation

(2004), "New security robot doubles as facility operations' Wi-Fi robotic assistant", Industrial Robot, Vol. 31 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2004.04931eaf.001

New security robot doubles as facility operations' Wi-Fi robotic assistant

New security robot doubles as facility operations' Wi-Fi robotic assistant

Keywords: Robots, Security products

The new PatrolBot facility operations robot debuts at BuilConn Networked Buildings Forum in Dallas today. PatrolBot, from ActivMedia Robotics, can integrate 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. PatrolBot can also greet guests, guide them to their destinations or lead building tours (Plate 1).

Plate 1 The new PatrolBot

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. PatrolBot systems have been used at companies including Hewlett-Packard, Pfizer Global Research and Victoria's Secret.

The new PatrolBot can carry 12 kg of sensors and surveillance equipment, over 2 cm cables, across 2 cm sills and up ADA-compliant slopes in daylight and dark.

Cutting-edge ARCS technologies

PatrolBot employs revolutionary ARCS controls shared by AR MobileRobot's AGV's and other intelligent rovers. Using sophisticated sensing and software, ARCS robots map buildings on-the-fly and navigate to destinations without wires or other retrofitting. They can share maps, enabling a fleet of robots to head out with little notice. ARCS robots sense obstacles; if a path is blocked they can find alternative routes.

Unlike robotic vacuums, PatrolBots are enterprise robots. This means that they can link to a company network just like any other computer, but PatrolBot can also operate standalone in case of power or network failure. All PatrolBots include application and utility software. Developer SDK is available.

PatrolBots are available at present directly from ActivMedia Robotics Web site: www.MobileRobots.com; E-mail: sales@MobileRobots.com; Integrator and OEM inquiries are welcome. Prices start at $30,000 US.