subject: Robot Watchdogs for Your Home [print this page] Robot Watchdogs for Your Home Robot Watchdogs for Your Home
As robotics technology becomes simultaneously cheaper and more advanced, many home owners are beginning to add robot power to their home security systems. It's possible now to have your own robocop patrolling the hallways of your home while you are away which can be accessed remotely to give you a view of what may or may not be occurring in your domicile. Tech-savvy home owners have begun to put inexpensive toy robots into use as home sentries and there are a number of upgrades being made available to those interested in implementing the new technology.
There are robots being manufactured by toy makers that are inexpensive enough for the average enthusiast to purchase that also have upgradeable systems that allow for very sophisticated control systems. Voice recognition control, high quality video and high quality 2-way audio capabilities make these robots more than mere toys. How necessary or ultimately practical these devices are at the moment is open to debate, but it's not hard to imagine a future where robot sentries become a basic component of home security, and property security in general.
One of the popular robots on the market that is being employed for home security uses is the Rovio, built by WowWee, which features a video camera, a microphone and a speaker system. The Rovio is a sleek-looking, futuristic robot with three wheels and a low profile that looks like a miniature black military project from Area 51, or Darth Vader's dustpan. The Rovio features Wi-Fi control and can be accessed from anywhere with any web-enabled device. The Rovio features a self-docking system that enables it to return to its charger and there are upgrades available on a free website called Robodance. With the free Robodance software, the Rovio can be upgraded to provide better quality audio and video capabilities and encrypted sessions for increased security when using public wireless systems.
There are several other robots on the market with these capabilities and more information can be found at various webhosting venues. The age of the robot is at hand. Let's hope Isaac Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics hold up for a while...
