Surveillance robots know when to hide
Found on New Scientist on Sunday, 20 March 2011
What makes the robot special is its ability to build a computer model of its surroundings, incorporating information on lines of sight. The robot is fitted with a laser scanner to allow it to covertly map its environment in 3D. It also has a set of acoustic sensors which it uses to distinguish nearby footsteps and their direction.
If the robot believes it is in danger of being detected by an approaching sentry, it will try to get to a place where it can hide, Satterfield says.
That would make a nice toy, even though it should take some more years until it's useful in real life.