Every now and then there appear gadgets that carry some new technologies but are of a very little use or are simply funny and pathetic. Recently, probably one of above named has been leaked in Louisiana State University – AgBot robot. They have determined AgBot as a surveillance gadget but it has some additional features that have nothing to do with surveillance. Anyway, as long as students are developing some interesting technological devices, we are going to take a look at them and seize their perspectives. So here it comes, AgBot from Louisiana State University.The concept of the AgBot robot is to be a helper for an estate owner. It means that surveillance is only one part of its dues, and the other one is gardening. There are no other gadgets coming on my mind with that much odd feature combinations. This is exactly why I like AgBot. The gardening side of the robot is fertilizing and planting seeds. Judging only by the picture, I can't say I see a lot of space for fertilize to be carried and spread round an area bigger than a tennis court. But if it works, let it be.
Now the main part – guarding the house. As a guard, AgBot has a night vision camera that can turn around to any direction. A GPS navigator to be more certain about where to go and to avoid obstacles. Wheels by the way seem to be big enough to cross small curbs. Hopefully the concept moves quietly because in case of detecting an intruder, giving out robot's presence wouldn't make any sense. And if it does actually detects one with its motion sensors of the high-frequency alarm system, robot will take a picture of what he finds dangerous and e-mail it to you.
On the top AgBot has a solar cell to power up all the systems. Yet it is a prototype, the battery is very small (4 hours without recharge only), but bigger one is obviously not a problem. Overall costs of AgBot are 2000 USD, but if developers will manage to produce and sale them, they should cost less. And what's more, the field of such home helping gadgets is not crowded and is very perspective.
