There's nothing quite like watching one manufacturer attempt to outdo another, only to watch them both fall short unsuspectingly when a third wheel steps in and ups the ante. While ZigBee and One-Net certainly have their applications, AIRcable is hoping to conquer their respective territories while adding an additional dash of wireless connectivity. Designed for "wireless sensor interface, mesh networking and data logging applications with an RS-232 port interface," the Industrial XR sports autonomous, programmable operation, a rugged outdoor enclosure, a Li-ion cell with solar panel recharger, real-time clock / temperature sensor, and a Bluetooth transmitter capable of broadcasting signals "150 meters" with the built-in 3dBi antenna. The real fun happens, however, when you strap in an (optional) 24dBi parabolic rod, which extends the range of this simplistic looking box to a whopping "28 miles." The company also notes that a cluster of units can be networked together to convey Bluetooth data logging information across a bevy of channels, all securely and automatically. So if you've got bigger jobs on the docket than simple in-home automation hookups, or just want to handle things from the next town over, you can pick up the Industrial XR now for $299.The makers of the cuter-than-cute robotic vacuum cleaner are rolling out a new machine: A big, fast-moving, semi-autonomous 'bot capable of killing a whole bunch of people at once.
Early versions of the iRobot
Warrior X700 "are slated to be ready by the second half of next year," according to Army Times' Kris Osborn. And unlike previous offerings from iRobot -- which tended to be on the light, bordering-on-flimsy side -- the Warrior will weigh up to 250 pounds. It'll be able to lug a 500-pound payload, and carry 150 pounds with a newly muscular arm. Which will mean the machine is more than buff enough to pack heat.
Warrior X700 "are slated to be ready by the second half of next year," according to Army Times' Kris Osborn. And unlike previous offerings from iRobot -- which tended to be on the light, bordering-on-flimsy side -- the Warrior will weigh up to 250 pounds. It'll be able to lug a 500-pound payload, and carry 150 pounds with a newly muscular arm. Which will mean the machine is more than buff enough to pack heat.
“We’re looking at urban warfare... It can be deploying weapons systems. It can be doing
re-supply operations, taking ammo or water to troops who are pinned
down, perimeter security and building clearing,” Helen Greiner, iRobot
chairman and co-founder, tells Army Times.
re-supply operations, taking ammo or water to troops who are pinned
down, perimeter security and building clearing,” Helen Greiner, iRobot
chairman and co-founder, tells Army Times.
