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Robot with gun operable over internet

from the new-challenge-for-hackers dept.
Senior Associate TomMcKendree writes "In what sounds like a bad idea, a researcher in Thailand has hooked up a robot with a gun, that can be controlled over the internet, and that can be set up to shoot automatically."
An excerpt: "[The inventor] has password-protected the 'fire' command for when the robot is operated over the Internet. 'We think the decision to fire should always be a human decision,' he says. 'Otherwise it could kill people.' " CP: How reassuring, a password.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 11th, 2000 at 10:55 AM and is filed under Robotics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to “Robot with gun operable over internet”

  1. redbird Says:
    September 11th, 2000 at 8:03 PM

    Actually…

    …this might be a good idea. For example, when gone to a conference my house/appartment/cardboard box would be left undefended. Sure, there are some basic things that could be done right now, like auto light switches and alarm systems, but robots that could defend my place would be great. If they were nearly autonomous (they work on their own except when I want tele presence), I could rest assured that nothing bad was happening on the home front. For those with large amounts of property, like farmers, upscaled, outdoor models would be good, killing of dangerous animals that could hurt the farm and stopping intruders (of the human kind) from stealing the farm's products. Right now, having them be autonomous might be a bit scary, but with good enough AI, they would be just as good, if not better, than human defenders.

  2. brian_dunbar Says:
    September 12th, 2000 at 6:55 AM

    Re:Actually…

    …this might be a good idea.

    I'm sure I'm missing the humour in your response (likely not enough coffee, and it's early for me).. speaking as someone who _lives_ in a rural area, it's a really bad idea.

    I've never had a problem with two – legged critters stealing stuff – most of the smart ones realize that _everyone_ out here is well – armed, and won't mess with stuff. It's also a long way to drive for any city-based thugs. If we start having problems with gangs of bad-guys, maybe though.

    Varmints on four legs are another matter – but at least in East Texas can be kept in check by keeping a mule around the place. Mules proactivly attack varmints in their area of operations – I'll swear by (and at) 'em.

    Brian

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