Home Security Robots… The Future is WOW!

Home security can be a fairly basic and mundane topic. Every once in a while, thanks to advances in technology, home security enters the realm of science fiction.

We at The Security Blanket have showcased neat home security devices and technologies before. But this is different. Below is a collection of bonafide, genuine home security robots! Sure, there’s the obvious risk of these devices becoming sentient and rebelling against the very masters they were programmed to protect. (If you’re not worried about this, well, that’s just naïve…) Fears of unleashing Skynet aside, these robots are cool and quickly dropping in price.

[Note: There are some detractors that don’t believe robots can be effictively used for home security. Read up on that viewpoint here.]

Interestingly, many of the companies making home security robots started out producing toy versions. Tech-capable, wanna-be Bond villains have been modifying toy robots for home security purposes for years. Eventually, a few manufacturers realized the market and started producing robots specifically designed for home security.

In the next few years, more models will be released and prices will drop further. Who knows? Maybe home security robots are the next growth sector of a $28.2 billion industry. Probably not, but these are pretty awesome in the mean time.

Parrot AR Drone

Whenever the U.S. military ends up with a cool, new toy, civilians begin clamoring for a mass market version. In general, the military likes to keep its most awesome tools secret but every once in a while, the common people get the goods too. Examples can be found everywhere from the Hummer to the AR-15 assault rifle. So what’s next for the average Joe looking to supply his own personal army? Flying drones.

Introducing the Parrot AR Drone. This drone takes full advantage of its flying functionality by featuring two cameras, one forward-facing and another on the bottom. The video feed appears directly on your phone, which also acts as the controlling device for the drone. One drawback to the Parrot AR Drone is the lack of any other control options. You either use your phone or you’re out of luck. (Okay, not entirely. You can use a Linux-based PC and a joy stick but that just sounds like too much work. Bring on the complaints UBUNTU fans!)

In general, the Parrot AR Drone is pretty cool, even if it reduces military grade technology to video game status…

...and, of course, sometimes this works out really well.

Roborior

Certainly not cheap and more than a little funny looking, the Roborior (the word is a portmanteau of “robot” and “interior”) comes equipped with infrared sensors, digital camera, and videophone. Roughly the size of a watermelon, the Roborior is a colorful robot that shines orange, blue, and purple lights. It’s makers, Tmsuck Co. Ltd. and Sanyo Electric Co., created Roborior to act as an “electronic sentry” built solely for the purpose of interior home security.

Using the Roborior is pretty similar to most interactive home security systems. Users can access their robot’s streaming video feeds from any internet-enabled computer or smart phone. They can also remotely control the Roborior’s movements to guide the device through the house. In “house sitting” mode, the robot will detect intruders and call the user’s cell phone. Even more interesting is the video phone capability which syncs with your TV to easily connect video calls. Unfortunately, full-functionality of the Roborior is only possible in Japan.

With severe limitations and a retail price of $2,500, the Roborior is still too impractical for the mass home security market. However, more than a few gadget geeks may feel compelled to fork over the money. Inspired by jellyfish, the device was designed by Paul White, who created a few Bjork album covers.

Rovio Wifi Robot

Featuring unique, three-wheel omni-directional movement, the Rovio WiFi Robot allows users to patrol their homes with ease. The Rovio works more like a security camera than a security system since it doesn’t actually “detect” intruders like other models. This robot simply lets a user patrol any area without having to leave the comfort of their well-worn computer chair. The Rovio also includes a 2-way microphone, which allows for communication with someone near the device.

Interested consumers can have the Rovio for anywhere between $300 and $500. Much of the price savings comes in the “dummy” GPS system that requires beacons in order to navigate across rooms. Other devices, like the Roborior, are able to analyze their surroundings and navigate independently.

On the plus side, WowWee, the makers of the Rovio, made the robot incredibly easy to use. A Rovio can be controlled from most phones, computers, and video game consoles.

Filed under: Home Security Information, Miscellaneous, bond villains, crime robots, electronic sentry, home security devices, home security robots, mundane topic, parrot ar drone, parrot drone, personal army, roborior, robots, rovio robot, rovio wifi robot, sanyo electric, security robots, toy robots, toy versions

Awesome Home Security Devices… that Don’t Actually Work

Our last article on strange and unusual home security devices was a big hit.

Like our last collection of weird home security devices, everything on this list can be used to defend your home… results, however, will definitely vary.

Without further ado, here’s yet another list of crazy, weird, and just plain strange home security devices. Just keep in mind that we at The Security Blanket don’t endorse any of these products. Well, maybe the laser fence…

Dummy Cameras

Pro Tip: This property isn't actually monitored by video surveillance.

A dummy camera isn’t so much a camera as it is a prop that looks like a camera. The idea is to give burglars the impression that you have a camera without taking on the expense. Many shady online retailers tout the merits of dummy cameras as effective deterrents but the debate rages between security experts. Here’s one supporting the use of dummy cameras. Here’s another that’s against them.

Dummy cameras might have some use for individuals and businesses with significant security expenses. Many retail businesses, for example, use dummy cameras along side real cameras to give the appearance of extra surveillance. Some statistics claim retail theft dropped 80 percent with the advent of dummy cameras…

However, the needs of home owners and businesses are completely different. All in all, dummy cameras are usually the wrong choice for home security. Even advocates of fake security cameras recognize the need for a convincing prop. Some dummy cameras include LED lights, cable input/outputs, and even timed movements. The problem? These “convincing” fake cameras often cost as much or more than real, quality security cameras. This rotating imitation security camera costs a whopping $89. If a fake one costs that much, a real camera must cost a fortune, right? This security camera comes quipped with infrared and night vision capabilities and can be yours for an amazing $19. The people selling dummy cameras certainly aren’t dummies but their customers just might be.

CD Diversion Safe

Diversion safes are a fairly common security measure that cleverly hide small valuables, like cash or jewelry. Usually disguised as everyday household objects, diversion safes can look like anything from books to food to electronics. If that last suggestion makes you wonder, it should. The object of diversion safes is draw burglars’ attention away from your valuables. Hiding your jewels, money, or personal documents in something valuable that’s likely to be stolen during a robbery doesn’t exactly sound like the greatest plan.

You know the person that created this thought they were clever...

With this in mind, we give you the CD Diversion Safe. Don’t see a problem with hiding your valuables in a fake stack of CDs? Good, then you don’t think like a crook. The fact of the matter is that most burglars are small time and don’t necessarily look for the most valuable things in your house. They’re on the hunt for items that can quickly and easily be exchanged for cash with little hassle. You know what that means? CDs. Pawn stores buy them for less than a $1 a piece than resell them for a $2 or $3 dollars. That collection you spent the better part of the last 20 years putting together? 300 CDs can yield anywhere from $150 to $250 for a criminal. And since these items aren’t considered “valuable” they don’t require a receipt and they don’t have easily traceable serial numbers.

Using a CD diversion safe is an overall bad idea. Most burglars aren’t looking for safes. They want a quick and easy score. A CD diversion safe is risky because a burglar might “accidentally” take your most important possessions while only meaning to take items of marginal value. Of course, you could always disguise your CD diversion safe as the work of an artist or band that no one would take… Top suggestions from around the office include Dashboard Confessional, Yanni, and Nickleback.

Super Door Stop

Just simple and elegant enough to be completely ineffective.

Harnessing all the power of… a wedge, the Super Door Stop is part defensive measure and part alarm. While the Super Door Stop gets points for being an almost credible security device, it ultimately falls short. To see why, check out the video below:

Catch that? No? Yeah, I was almost fooled too. Like I said, the Super Door Stop earns points for almost working but, if you look closely, it’s easy to see the device’s massive security flaw. The error is in the way the Super Door Stop is designed to operate. Just like the video demonstrates, the Super Door Stop is placed under a door and armed. When the door is opened, the Super Door Stop prevents it from opening any further and sounds a 120-dB alarm. The alarm is deactivated when pressure is removed from the Super Door Stop… and that’s the problem. In general, you don’t want to rely on a security device that your burglar can easily turn off.

Why is the Super Door Stop so easy to deactivate? Probably because it’s super easy to activate in the first place. In smaller dwellings, like apartments and trailers, The Super Door Stop blocks the primary entrance, increasing the likelihood of false alarms. Though you only risk annoying your neighbors with this device, it’s probably best to save your money for something more effective.

Laser Fence

This is what most people imagine when they get a laser fence... the reality is a bit different.

A basic requirement of any supervillain from the past 50 years, laser fences use beams of light to create perimeter protection for large areas. Laser fence models that you can install at home are capable of protecting up to an acre of land. Home owners will need tools and the ability to use them. Depending on how much work you want to do, a self-installed laser fence can be added to your home for only $150. For a quick laser fence demonstration, check out the video below:

Particularly clever users can wire their laser fence to other security devices, like The Mosquito or flood lights. Again, a laser fence might seem cool and effective but nothing could be further from the truth. It turns out that laser beams can’t really distinguish between a trespasser or an animal. Most laser fences are “trip wire” versions that use a single beam at a fixed height. Criminals looking to gain access to a property can simply step over the beam with little problem. There are solutions to make a laser fence work, such as multiple beams and sensitive electronics that gauge size, but the end result would be an expensive system that isn’t as effective as other alternatives.

Spy Cameras

Every year, people buy billions of dollars worth of spy cameras for one reason… they’re awesome. Spy cameras are quintessential tech and a must for every gadget junkie. As neat toys or investigative tools, spy cameras aren’t the worst investments. When it comes to home security, however, experts say you’re better off getting a camera that’s visible and serves as a deterrent to potential burglars. A spy camera is the way to go if you’re trying to observe someone without their knowledge, like a cheating spouse or an employee that’s stealing.

This is what dogs do when they think you're not looking.

While spy cameras can be effective under certain circumstances, at times, they can be a down right stupid choice. Case in point, the DVD spy camera. As noted earlier, it’s probably not best to hide things of value inside things of value. Criminals take electronics and hiding a spy camera inside a DVD player is a pretty surefire way to lose a camera during a burglary.

Filed under: Home Security Reviews, diversion safe review, dummy camera review, great home security products, home security devices, home security products, laser fence review, security devices that dont work, spy camera review, super door stop review, unusual home security, weird home security, weird security devices

Weird, Strange and Uncommon Home Security Devices

Using a bear trap for home security probably isn't the best idea... but some of these devices aren't half bad.

Strange Home Security Devices…
That Might Actually Work

There are thousands of home security products available. Many of these products are fairly straightforward, like home security systems or motion activated lights. Fortunately for fans of the unusual, a host of companies and entrepreneurs are marketing weird or uncommon devices intended to make your home safe.

To be fair, some of these products are deceptively clever and might add an extra level of security. However, a good number of the items showcased here are just plain weird and reveal general misunderstandings about home security. Most of these products are fairly low cost and, combined with traditional home security measures, should be harmless novelty products that entertain friends.

FakeTV Burglar Deterrent

The FakeTV is a cheap, clever home security measure

Timed lights are a common security feature but the FakeTV Burglar Deterrent is something else entirely. A clever little gadget, the FakeTV emits a light that is intended to mimic the glow from televisions. The company behind FakeTV, the Hydreon Corporation, claims the product is superior to other timed, internal security lights because the glow from the simulated television is “alive” thus giving the impression that someone is home watching television.

The Hydreon Corporation doesn’t offer hard statistics to support its claim that the FakeTV works as an effective burglar deterrant but the idea is simple and cool. Unfortunately, the device maybe a hard sale to many customers. When I showed co-workers this nifty little device, their first question was, “Why don’t I just leave the TV on when I leave?” The company does have answers for such obvious questions but the FakeTV might eventually fall victim to the common sense security craze.

SmokeCloak

No mansion or supervillain hideout should be without a SmokeCloak

Holy jalapenos, Batman! The one entry on this list I might consider installing in my own home, the SmokeCloak is the top of the line product in the emerging field of “security fog”. In case you’re wondering, security fog is exactly what it sounds like, just check out the video below:

There are a lot of words that can describe the SmokeCloak. Unique. Innovative. Foggy. However you describe this device to your friends, one word that will definitely be used is “effective”. The SmokeCloak operates on a clever premise: burglars can’t rob what they can’t see. The smoke is odorless and non-toxic so the device doesn’t run afoul of any booby trapping laws. As more homeowners employ common sense solutions to their security needs, the SmokeCloak might be one of the few innovative security devices with real staying power.

The Mosquito Ultrasonic Projector

A mosquito annoys a child...

Not many home security devices are in danger of being classified by the U.S. government but ultrasonic projectors might soon be unavailable for this very reason. First used in the United Kingdom, The Mosquito was designed to prevent teenagers from loitering near shops and other public spaces. Current versions of The Mosquito have two settings: one for individuals under the age of 25 and another that can be heard by everyone.

For a quick sample of the annoying noise emitted by The Mosquito, click here… if you dare.

The device hasn’t been without a certain amount of controversy. When used publically, critics say The Mosquito violates the human rights of teenagers and other young people. Despite controversy, businesses and homeowners have been lining up since 2006 to purchase The Mosquito. The manufacturer, Compound Security Systems, also offers ultrasonic projectors specifically designed for use in the home. In most countries, it is legal to install and operate an ultrasonic projector for home security purposes.

Meet Tango Home Security Audio

The Logo for Meet Tango Home Security Audio

Based on a simple premise, Meet Tango Home Security audio gives nosy neighbors and aspiring burglars the impression that your home is occupied by an annoying, barking dog. “Meet Tango” was created using a real dog named Tango that passed away a few years ago but still lives on through “his fearsome bark and growl”. A quick audio clip of the CD is included here…

BluEarth Arts, the company that makes “Meet Tango”, sells the product in CD and MP3 formats. Since most commercially available CD or MP3 players come with random or loop functions, “Meet Tango” can be played for as long as needed. While a barking dog might not be the most effective deterrent available for home security, “Meet Tango” is a simple solution within the reach of every homeowner’s budget.

TeleSpy

A microphone that works like a home security system but looks like a phone... it's a little complicated.

Disguised like a normal landline telephone, TeleSpy is basically a low rent alarm system with a few extra features. This gadget works similarly to a monitored alarm system in that it can be programmed to call a specific number when an intruder activates the device. Unlike traditional monitored alarm systems, however, TeleSpy calls a number controlled by the owner and activates an internal microphone which allows users to eavesdrop on any intruders in the home. If the user confirms an unauthorized intruder, they can then contact the proper authorities.

The TeleSpy has a number of obvious drawbacks. For the device to be effective, intruders have to unwittingly activate the TeleSpy and make noise within a certain range of the internal mic. Much of the TeleSpy’s capabilities can be found with certain monitored alarm systems but the low cost might make it an option for some.

Filed under: Home Security Reviews, different home security systems, DIY home security systems, do it yourself home security, FakeTV review, home security devices, home security products, home security reviews, home security systems, Meet Tango Reivew, mosquito ultrasonic projector review, SmokeCloak review, strange home security devices, Telespy review, unique home security products, unique home security systems, unusual home security devices