This software is designed to automatically detect, track and anticipate moving targets so that a robotic turret, powered by off-the-shelf hobby servos, can accurately engage them. The turret can be bought or built to aim a paintball gun, second video/still image camera, airsoft gun, water gun, nerf gun, laser, etc…
Source – The Sentry Project
Check out the video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxBa5bQfTGc[/youtube]
Very cool idea, and setup. Seems like the software and hardware could use a bit of work when it comes to stability, speed, and accurate targeting… judging by the company’s website, the programmer is hard at work on software upgrades.
The total cost for this rig (minus the laptop and gun) is $250
My only question is, how long until someone pops a real gun into that rig and causes some major damage?
Seems like a huge liability considering the way you fire a toy gun and a real gun is pretty much identical. The only thing that would likely need to be upgraded is the strength of the turret, because of the increased recoil it would need to withstand.
If you buy one of these please don’t hook it up to a computer labeled “HAL 9000” :P
Hat Tip: SayUncle
