[Robotgroup] More Killbots in the news

[Vern Graner]

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/02/army-gets-more.html

from the above link:

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24 More Armed Robot Sentries for Base Patrol
By Noah Shachtman EmailFebruary 28, 2008 | 12:58:00

Nrows_2 Since 2004, a series of robotic security guards have been 
roaming the perimeter of the Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada -- part of a 
pilot program, to see if unmanned systems can help maintain security at 
military installations.  After 8,000 hours on patrol, the Army has been 
impressed, apparently. The service is ordering up to 24 more of the 
"Mobile Detection and Assessment and Response System," or MDARS, at a 
cost of $40 million.

The diesel-powered robots, in development since 1989, operate "at speeds 
up to 20 miles per hour and can run for 16 hours without refueling," 
according to its manufacturer, General Dyanmics. "Using radio frequency 
identification tags, MDARS keeps track of inventory, as well as gates, 
locks and other barriers."

Next-gen models could include "improved  response speed of at least 30 
mph... intruder detection while MDARS is moving, and intruder detection 
out to 1500 meters," as opposed to 300 meters, today.

The machines could also be armed. MDARS has been tested with automatic 
rifles and non-lethal weapons.  And General Dynamics is boasting that 
they new versions will have "non-lethal weapons with an engagement range 
of at least 30 meters."
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Sorta looks like a GI-Joe Kid's Jeep with a gun on it... :)

Vern

-- 

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