Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:
Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Forum

  Home arrow Windows For Devices Articles arrow Device Profile: Fujitsu Maron-1 security monitor robot

Device Profile: Fujitsu Maron-1 security monitor robot
By Doug

Rate This Article: Add This Article To:

Weighing 11 pounds and looking somewhat like a vacuum cleaner, the Maron-1 robot is intended to control TVs and appliances, or to serve as an intrusion detector in the apartments of upscale consumers. It runs Windows CE 3.0 on a 266 MHz Pentium processor and can be controlled from a NTT DoCoMo cell phone, a Java-based device that runs wireless Internet applications.



Two VGA resolution cameras can pan and tilt and send images to a remote operator. If it detects an intrusion, it can sound an alarm and send an emergency message to a preset phone number.

The infrared remote control is preprogrammed for 40 different models of TVs, VCRs, and air conditioners, with 56 more available. The device can be programmed to perform operations at specific times.

Features of the Maron-1, according to Fujitsu, include:
  • Remote operation by mobile phone --
    Maron-1 is equipped with a camera and infrared emitter that can be controlled remotely through a mobile phone to transmit images or operate household appliances. Commands transmitted via mobile phone are used to direct the robot's movements.
    • Accepts precise instructions to move forward, back or turn
    • Can traverse door saddles and other minor surface gradations

  • Home security -- MARON-1 can detect and respond to intruders. When the robot detects a break-in, it sounds an alarm and sends an emergency alert to a pre-set number.

  • Remote monitoring -- With its infrared remote-control interface, MARON-1 can operate any appliance equipped with an infrared sensor, including air-conditioners, televisions and VCRs, and this capability is accessible via its mobile phone-remote feature. It can also execute tasks at pre-set times, such as recording a program on the VCR.

  • Hands-free phone -- Maron-1 is also a full-featured hands-free phone with speed-dial memory for one-touch access to frequently dialed numbers.

  • Camera -- Maron-1 is equipped with a camera on a rotating mount so that it can record surrounding scenes and transmit them to a mobile phone. Using these images, the user can then direct the robot to move to a designated spot.
Specifications listed by Fujitsu include:
  • Dimensions -- 32 x 32 x 36 cm
  • Weight -- 5.5 kg
  • Drivers -- Two powered wheels (left, right), one crawler, two-way camera head (pan, tilt)
  • Sensors -- 1 infrared sensor/emitter (for operating electronics by remote); 2 cameras (640x480 pixels), 1 proximity sensor, 2 bumper switches
  • User interface -- touchpad; 5 menu keys; 2 function keys; 4-inch LCD monitor; microphone; speaker
  • Operating system -- WinCE 3.0
  • Battery:
    • Type -- NiMH (in main unit)
    • Run time per charge -- 10 hours (in power-saving sleep mode)
  • Operating conditions -- 0-40 deg. C; 30-80% humidity
The Maron-1 was introduced in Japan in March, 2003 for 298,000 yen, initially targeted at system integrators and other businesses looking to provide innovative robotic solutions for in-home use, according to Fujitsu. At that time, Fujitsu it would begin mass-marketing the device later in the year "after evaluating the experience of initial users."



Related stories:


Discuss Device Profile: Fujitsu Maron-1 security monitor robot
 
>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!
 
 
 
>>> More Windows For Devices Articles Articles          >>> More By Doug
 



Windows XP for Embedded Applications
This white paper describes the benefits of using Windows XP when developing embedded applications.

A Manager's Guide to Selecting a Mobile Device Operating System
This white paper offers a comparative review of Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Mobile.

Visual Basic 6.0 to .NET Migration
This paper focuses on the methodology and techniques which Infosys (Microsoft Technology Center) has developed for migrating VB 6.0 Applications to .NET. Our approach ensures a smooth, cost effective, and efficient migration.

Mobile Device Security: Securing the Handheld, Securing the Enterprise
This whitepaper identifies security threats to corporate data on mobile devices and details how mobile devices can become a "backdoor" to the enterprise.

Mobile Device Security: The Eight Areas of Risk
It's common knowledge that adding mobile devices to your network increases security risks. There are multiple facets to mobile security, all of which should be paid close attention to. This E-Guide presents a more in depth look into the eight key areas of securing wireless devices.

Quality Assurance and .NET
This paper discusses best practices for functional, regression and load testing of .NET applications.

SCADA Security in Integrated Networks
As businesses leverage their SCADA systems by integrating them into the business networks, they must also assure the security of the SCADA system.

The Advantages of Small Form Factor HMI
HMIs have mutated and changed with new requirements, and they have become more flexible and capable. And while they've been doing that, they've become smaller and more useful.

9 Critical Requirements for Web Application Security
Learn why your Web applications expose dangerous security breaches and what’s required to effectively protect your Web applications and the sensitive information behind them.

Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!
Free weekly newsletter
Enter your email...
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Updated! The latest Windows-powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets

HOT TOPICS
Microsoft targets PNDs with new embedded OS
Microsoft tips .NET MF 3.0 highlights
Microsoft previews Windows Embedded Standard
Microsoft offers free Windows CE 6.0 textbook
Microsoft renames embedded operating systems
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
New Atom models target low-cost PCs
REFERENCE GUIDES
Windows Device Showcase
Intro to Windows Embedded
Intro to Shared Source
Real-time Windows Embedded
Windows Embedded books
Join our Windows Embedded discussion forums:
Windows XP Embedded
Windows CE
Windows Mobile


Windows Embedded developer newsgroups
Windows CE
XP Embedded
PocketPC
Smartphone

Microsoft's Windows Embedded resources
Embedded dev center
Mobile dev center
Windows CE tutorials
XP Embedded tutorials
Windows Embedded seminars
Windows Embedded application categories
3rd-party partners


BREAKING NEWS

• Pico-ITX PC takes to the road and the skies
• Thin client offers legacy ports
• Boards add watchdog functionality to PC/104-Plus systems
• 11.6-inch netbook has AMD processor
• Microsoft planning riposte to Google's "Chrome OS"?
• Embedded student competition winner is buggy (on purpose)
• Asus preps convertible netbooks
• Media-savvy reference design sports touchscreen, DVB-H
• Sony joins the netbook fray
• 2010 Census kicks off with Windows Mobile
• Sprint offers 99-cent netbook
• SODIMM module has industrial focus
• Microsoft picks finalists in Embedded Development competition
• Cortex-A8 SBCs target signage and kiosks
• Student competition offers a different kind of fireworks


MOST POPULAR (last 90 days)
• "Netbook" uses Intel's Atom N270
• Windows CE takes on Linux in low-end netbooks
• HTC ups Touch resolution
• Microsoft unleashes new embedded OS
• Windows Mobile phone gets 800 x 480 display
• HTC spins WiMAX phone?
• Smart camera sports Atom
• Dual-core AMD netbook gets rave review
• Windows Mobile 7 "delayed"
• GPS phone uses new Marvell "Tavor" chip
MOST POPULAR (Classics from the vault)
Windows XP Embedded USB boot
Troubleshooting Windows XPe's blue screen "Stop 0x0000007B" error
Asus reveals $190 mini notebook
Windows Mobile 6 SDKs available for download
Windows Mobile VPN client plays with Cisco
HTC adds GPS to Windows Mobile Touch line
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
Guide to HTC's Windows Mobile smartphone platforms
• HTC releases Touch Diamond ROM upgrade
Customizing Windows XP Embedded thin clients

Also visit our sister sites:

Sign up for WindowsForDevices.com's...


Or, follow us on Twitter...