Security Drone To Be Offered For Rent

Secom Co., Ltd., Japan's largest security company in Japan - and the first private security company of its kind in the country, has announced plans to rent out a private drone it has developed that will fly off when intruder alarms are tripped, recording footage of the break-in as it occurs.

As you can see from the image above, the drone is a helicopter-like machine with four sets of rotors and measures 60 centimeters (24 inches) wide and weighs only 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds).

Based on the German-manufactured model from Ascending Technologies GmbH - the AscTec Pelican - which is equipped with small surveillance cameras, the Secom version includes cameras that can transmit live pictures of a crime taking place, as well as its own software system and other devices.

According to Secom, the drone is perfect for factories to monitor areas that are unchecked by static cameras, though Japan - It's A Wonderful Rife wonders why one wouldn't just install more cameras or add some Rottweilers to ensure a total blanket coverage. I have owned four Rottweilers and I can state truthfully that while other houses in the neighborhood were being broken into by savvy crooks, my house has remained untouched.

Still, according to Secom spokesperson Saito Asuka (surname first), "The flying robot could take off if our online security systems detect any unauthorized entry.

"It would enable us to quickly check out what's actually happening on the spot."

Secom says after April 2014 (wait - another year?!) Japanese companies can rent the security drone as part of its complete online security system for about ¥5,000 (~ Cdn/US $58), with plans to offer the robo cop to other countries with money.

Founded in 1962 by Iida Makoto and Toda Juichi (surnames first), Secom is headquartered in Tokyo. Its website cane be found HERE, but since they are obviously not ready to market the drone until 2014, it is not shown on their website yet.

Personally, I am curious to know exactly where the drone is stashed on the factory grounds, and is it possible to disarm it so an alarm is not alarmed... In other words, what weaknesses does it have? Would a magnetic pulse disrupt it? Microwaves? Radio Static? Of course, Secom isn't talking, and I am sure that between themselves and Ascending Technologies they are working or have worked the concerns out.

Building a better mousetrap, however, will lead to the building of better mice.

Cheers
Andrew Joseph