Our new robot overlords
Memo to self -- be sure to rehearse before publicly demonstrating any new technology.
From the
Chicago Sun-Times:
Robot not quite ready to step into spotlight
When you're showcasing a $135,000 bomb detection robot before a wall of television cameras and touting it as Chicago's latest terror tool, it's a good idea to rehearse first.
The Chicago Police Department apparently failed to do that with the robot affectionately known as "Frank," in honor of Frank Kaskey, its first bomb squad commander.
On Thursday, Mayor Daley, Police Supt. Phil Cline and Chief Emergency Officer Cortez Trotter watched uncomfortably as Frank took a half-dozen attempts to climb a two-step riser at Navy Pier.
Frank took what seemed an eternity to get up the first step and stumbled on the second before falling backward. Fortunately, it never did tip over.
But the demonstration was so painfully slow, it was tough to envision Frank easily doing what Cline said the robot could do: Locate suspicious devices, defuse bombs, detect hazardous chemicals or send messages and food to suspects and captives in hostage situations.
Afterward, Trotter was visibly annoyed.
Ouch!
Hat tip to
Stupid Security for the link.
Posted by DaveH at November 21, 2006 10:05 AM