GuardBot

The military is testing versatile multi-terrain robot guard balls...

GuardBot is a robust spherical robot with many potential uses.  GuardBot was developed by a Connecticut-based company GuardBot Inc. It was designed in 2004 as a potential candidate for missions to Mars. It is now being tested by the United States military as a possible asset in future patrolling duties. GuardBot remains unique with no known competition.

The ball is about 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, though it can be scaled up as large as 9 feet (3 meters) or as small as 4 inches (10 cm). The smaller version is perfect for searching underneath vehicles at security checkpoints. It is powered by a battery that lasts up to 8 hours. GuardBot can also be controlled via remote for targeted missions, or it can be programmed to travel along a pre-defined route via the onboard GPS. The robot is able to keep its instruments remaining upright while in motion due to an internal pendulum that regulates its center of gravity. 

With a top speed of 6 miles per hour (9.7 kph) it's not breaking any speed records, but it is definitely enough to perform its necessary guard duties. GuardBot is capable of climbing up hills with a 30 degree slope. But more impressively it can move across a variety of terrain like grass, mud, sand, snow, and water! It can even navigate upstream, making it able to guard a wide variety of locations.

The current GuardBot design has two payload bays that peek out on either side, and the instrument inside can vary depending on the needs of the user. It has  military, homeland security, and commercial applications. Features include two onboard high-definition cameras that can be independently oriented and can live stream video. Night vision, motion sensors, and laser scanners are all options that can be added to GuardBot. It is also able to sense chemicals used for explosives, which would alert humans to proceed with caution in the area. These all give GuardBot the ability to operate in a variety of demanding missions. 

Expect to see one of these rolling around your neighborhood in the future?