‘Robocop’ developed by Japanese firms

Two Japanese companies have unveiled a security robot that can be remotely-controlled from a mobile phone to hurl a net that traps suspected intruders.

The prototype T-34 was developed jointly by robot firm Tmsuk Co and security firm Alacom Co.

The small robot is built on wheels and is equipped with sensors that can detect the movements of intruders. It weighs about 12kg, moves at up to 10km/h (6mph), and can be controlled by someone seeing real-time images on a mobile phone, but is not capable of moving autonomously.

When the presence sensor or the microphone detects a suspicious person or something unusual, it is automatically reported to a registered mobile phone carried by a security guard. The guard can move the T-34 and activate the net launcher while watching a camera image provided by the videophone function.

The camera image can be checked by using a videophone function on the handset and number keys are used to move the robot, direct the camera up and down and activate the net launcher.