Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2009/01/23/t34_net_robot/

Robot 'Spider-man' casts net to nab burglars

Catches thieves just like flies...

By James Sherwood

Posted in Personal Tech, 23rd January 2009 15:28 GMT

Updated If we brought you news of a new web robot then you’d probably think we meant a some form of online android, right? But a Japanese firm’s developed the mechanical equivalent of Spider-man.

The T-34 is a four-wheeled security droid that fires a net at anyone who breaks into its patrol zone. The Spider-man style weapon envelops the intruder to render escape impossible - unless, we guess, they’re equipped with scissors.

Japanese_net_robot

Catches thieves just like flies

Image courtesy of Reuters

A sound sensor alerts the T-34 to the presence of a potential burglar, at which point it’ll notify a remote operator by mobile phone. The operator can control the droid’s movements using their handset, and the T-34 can move at lightening speeds of up to 6mph.

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A front-mounted camera lets the security robot snap pictures of the invader during the chase, which it then sends to the operator’s mobile phone. Presumably these can then be used in the court case.

Plans to roll out the T-34 as a mechanised security 'bot in the UK haven’t been announced. ®