Robo-Tasers for "Pipeline" Defense (Updated)

[Ian David]

Taser stun-guns are already controversial, in the hands of cops and G.I.s. Now imagine a whole field of the electric weapons -- out of human hands, entirely.



Taser International recently rolled out its Taser Remote Area Denial (TRAD) system -- a networked series of sensors and stun-gun projectiles that promises to "observe, warn, incapacitate and retain intruders" from afar. Today, security teams have to be deployed to stop an intruder, when one is detected hoping over a fence or slipping through a gate. But that response takes time, and "exposes our forces to risk." What the TRAD provides, its makers say, is "a delay and arrest capability at key locations that can be employed instantly upon threat alert and assessment."

An array of TRADs -- or a "TASERNET," in company lingo -- provides "the capabilities of visual observation and oversight coupled with the ability to engage and incapacitate targets remotely. The things are "ideal for protecting high value facilities or operations such as checkpoints, command centers, depots, aircraft insertions, and spec ops, as well as fixed installations such as embassies, air fields, utility facilities, pipelines, etc."

A simple user interface allows the operator to see, track, and identify targets with specific target designators indicating whether each target is a “friend” or “foe.” The TASERNET application displays visual information from TRAD imagers as well as oversight cameras integrated with a graphic representation of targets positions and designations. Once an engagement decision is made (either by the operator or the system depending on user selected settings), the TASERNET program selects the specific TRAD units best suited for engagement and transmits fire authorization. The TRAD unit will then arrest the targeted individuals by providing complete incapacitation. Commands can be issued to the targeted individuals over th TASERNET system and the triggered TRAD unit can be reengaged by the operator as needed to restrain the targeted individuals until response teams can take the targeted individuals into custody.

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UPDATE: Via Gizmodo, check out this Taser and TRAD promotional video. And decide for yourself: What drug is the narrator on, anyway? (I'm voting a Robitussin mega-gulp.)


More:
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/06/robo-tasers-for.html

[Gabi Hayes]

1. "Prisoners are escaping!"