iRobot unveils security robot

Chicago (IL) - The idea of robots taking over more and more security operations may send chills down the spines of some, but for law enforcement officials and others it can take some of the risk involved in their lines of work and lessen it. iRobot, a company known for developing robotics to handle these types of tasks, is introducing its new Negotiator model to handle basic reconnaissance needs.

iRobot says this new Negotiator will fit the reconnaissance needs of public safety professionals who are on more of a budget. This particular robot is designed to climb stairs and be highly mobile. It can also be outfitted with a "civil response kit" and accessories to do things like spy on dangerous situations with an infrared low light camera, provide flood lights and detect chemicals like gas.

The Negotiator, from the way it is described, is a very basic model of robot. It is no where near the lines of complexity of, say, the Flame or BigDog robots. One could add some level of complexity to it though, perhaps outfitting it with Tasers.

The company says the first of this particular model of robot will be available by the end of the year. It currently has other robots on the lines, so to speak, including 1,600 "PackBots" which handle more difficult and dangerous actions.