It sure does seem that all the major robotic discovered come out of Japan, but I suppose some people will question how “major” this one is. Nevertheless, I found it interesting. Japanese researchers have just released the world’s (thought to be) first robotic mall security guard. It’s basically a two foot robotic “cop” which movies around on wheels. It has the ability to conduct surveillance shoplifters who are running, and even deploy a “restraining web”
The robot is called T-34, and is not a novelty item, but sincerely designed for mall business functions, or other security matters. It does seem as though a home version (for guarding residential property) may eventually be developed. Personally, I can’t wait to see this thing in action, and wonder how it determines which folks are “criminals”.