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Security bot isn't quite RoboCop--yet

Japan experiments with another robot

Mike Yamamoto Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Mike Yamamoto is an executive editor for CNET News.com.
Mike Yamamoto
Pink Tentacle

RoboCop, here we come. Granted, we can't quite see Peter Weller looking very menacing while rolling around in this robotic security guard, but it may be only a matter of time.

The "Reborg-Q," from Sohgo Security Services, is the latest evidence that Japan is moving toward a human-free society. We've already observed recent developments in that country's service industry, notably in hotels and hospitals, but security is a significant leap toward full-fledged borgdom. (That's Sci-Fi 101.)

Thankfully, the Reborg-Q is fully operational only with human assistance. "When the robot encounters something suspicious, it alerts a computer in the security room and sends video. Human security guards view the video footage sent by the robot and determine how to respond," according to Pink Tentacle. We'll draw the line when they start to carry firearms.