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        Device Profile: Fujitsu Maron-1 security monitor robot

        Doug | Date: Feb 21, 2005 | Comments: 1


        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."


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