New defense against burglars

February 14th, 2005 at 9:18 pm by Preston Taylor Holmes

Swedish scientists have created a robotic ball that chases burglars, mercifully taking burglar-chasing responsibilities away from Joe and Jane Homeowner.

A large black ball, originally designed by Swedish scientists for use on Mars, could be the latest weapon in the war against burglars.

The device, developed at the University of Uppsala, acts as a high-tech security guard capable of detecting an intruder thanks to either radar or infra-red sensors. Once alerted, it can summon help, sound an alarm or pursue the intruders, taking pictures.

It is capable of travelling at 20mph, somewhat faster than a human being. Even worse for intruders, the robot ball can still give chase over mud, snow and water.

The ball relies on an internal pendulum to control its motion which, when shifted, changes the centre of gravity and starts it rolling.

Other devices, including microphones, cameras, heat sensors and smoke detectors are mounted on its central axis.

Scientists have given no indication of whether or not sharp blade-like anchors and a brain-drill will be installed in future versions of the security ball.

For the high-security version, pictured here:

You’ll need to contact Tall Guy Industries, care of your local mausoleum.

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6 Responses to “New defense against burglars”

1. Merri Says:
   February 14th, 2005 at 9:54 pm

   Boy, Preston, does this one take me back. That movie scared the hell outta me when I first saw it waaaaay back when!

2. EdWonk Says:
   February 15th, 2005 at 2:09 am

   Can you imagine what will happen when Ball Meets Bat? (or crowbar) I bet even the burglars are laughing at this one.

3. Blake Says:
   February 15th, 2005 at 10:49 am

   Isn’t that the movie where there was some sort of alternate universe with a bunch of Jawas running around?

4. Preston Taylor Holmes Says:
   February 15th, 2005 at 10:58 am

   You got it – Phantasm was the movie. I had forgotten about the little Jawas running around in it until you mentioned it. I need to find it on DVD so I can remember how good/bad it was.

5. Merri Says:
   February 15th, 2005 at 12:54 pm

   Um – it was pretty bad if I recall, but a very, uh, classy B-movie. heheheh

6. basil's blog Says:
   February 15th, 2005 at 1:20 pm

   Tuesday’s Lunch Special:
   For your mid-day dining pleasure, we offer you to choose from one of these specialties: The Flying Space Monkey wants to leave us mediocre bloggers behind. Six Meat Buffet features a special for burglers. Raven offers help for John Kerry.