Sharp has introduced a security robot called the INTELLOS Automated Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) that provides up to three touring shifts daily to detect, inspect, deter and report suspicious activity. This security robot was launched at ASIS International.

The idea is to free up security personnel to handle the exceptions from a safe distance. It can be deployed as a standalone solution or intelligently coupled to an existing security team for greater efficiency and safety.

Unlike existing remote control robots that require a trained, human operator, the Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV is essentially a self-directed robot that navigates on the ground without a human driver. After its route is programmed, it is capable of operating outdoors around a facility and can be equipped to extend human capabilities, such as sight, using an array of cameras, which include optional thermal imaging.

Though it can provide virtual, autonomous operation for up to three touring shifts daily, the Sharp INTELLOS A?UGV can also be overridden by the operator in a command center and used as a semi-autonomous vehicle when more direct control is required.

Autonomous Solutions, Inc. (ASI) is a provider of robotic hardware and software systems. The introduction by Sharp of this type of robot gives ASI another potential application for its Mobius platform that enables a single operator to control a fleet of A-UGVs.

Both ASI and Sharp are part of the Robolliance, a forum for technology partners and industry experts in robotics, surveillance and security to advance the autonomous robotics marketplace.

Among its key features:

• The vehicle is designed to carry a payload of standard cameras, and available optional gas and chemical sensors that can be used to observe changing situations from within the safety of a security command center.
• The vehicle is equipped with a siren, flashing lights and voice announcements, including two-way communications, to help detect vandalism, trespassing, theft and other dangers, such as potentially identifying pipeline cracks or gas leaks.
• Lithium ION batteries provide driving power to the system. These batteries are housed in user-replaceable cartridges that can be charged in an offline charger.
• The ruggedized design is intended to withstand variations in temperature, and can tackle an array of terrains with its omnidirectional tires.
• The vehicle’s telescopic boom stretches to average human height, which enables it to see into and over objects, such as fences. It is designed with the utmost of safety considerations in mind and multi-tiered safety features, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) to reduce risk of collision during unattended patrol.

On board robotic vehicles like this one, the ASI electronics and software facilitate the fusion of multiple sensors like cameras, lasers, and gas and chemical sensors to help the vehicle autonomously perform its missions.

This real-time data could then be relayed to a command center operator who can then monitor the video and analytics. ASI’s agile technology platform allows the adoption of any new and relevant technology into systems like this one.

Sharp says the INTELLOS A-UGV is designed for large, expansive outdoor properties such as:

• Distribution and storage
• Manufacturing
• Power and utility
• Pharmaceutical
• Data centers
• Petrochemical and mining
• Airports and rail yards
• Government facilities

Sharp says it will continue to run customer trials and share case study findings, with shipments expected to start by the beginning of 2017.