Ep 21. Roving Security Bot

The Innovation Nation is back with its new episode named Roving Security Bot, where host Mo Rocca explores the latest innovation in robotics technology. In this episode, Rocca takes his viewers on a tour to reveal how science and technology are working together to create machines that help us in our daily lives.

In the first segment, Rocca meets the team from Knightscope, a company that builds robotic security guards that can monitor and protect public spaces. The company's robots are equipped with cameras, sensors and alarms that are programmed to detect any suspicious activity in the area they are protecting. Rocca sees how these robots can be used in shopping malls, airports, and even amusement parks, making them a valuable asset to security.

Next up, Rocca heads to Boston Dynamics to see a new robot that's making waves in the robotics industry. The robot is called Spot, and it's a four-legged robot designed to be used for a variety of purposes. Spot is a versatile machine that can navigate rough terrain, climb stairs, and even carry payloads of up to 30 pounds. Rocca gets a demonstration of Spot's skills, and learns that the robot can be used in a range of industries, including construction, mining, and search and rescue.

In the third segment, Rocca explores how robots are being used to improve the efficiency of agriculture. He visits a farm in California where a company called Blue River Technology has developed a robot called See & Spray that can weed crops. As Rocca watches, the robot scans the crops and sprays a targeted amount of herbicide onto the weeds while leaving the crop unharmed. This approach saves farmers money and reduces the amount of herbicides needed.

In the fourth segment, Rocca explores the future of autonomous cars. He visits Waymo, a company that is developing self-driving cars. Rocca takes a ride in one of Waymo's vehicles and sees how the car uses cameras and sensors to navigate the roads. Rocca learns that self-driving cars could revolutionize transportation, making it safer and more efficient.

In the final segment, Rocca visits a company called Piaggio Fast Forward, which has developed a robot called Gita that can help people carry their belongings. Gita is a spherical robot that can follow a person and carry up to 40 pounds of cargo. Rocca learns that Gita can be used in a variety of settings, including airports, hospitals, and even on college campuses.

Overall, Roving Security Bot is an excellent episode of Innovation Nation that showcases the latest advancements in robotics technology. The show offers a fascinating insight into how robots are being used to make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. Viewers will be amazed by the capabilities of the robots showcased in this episode and will undoubtedly be left feeling excited about the possibilities of what the future holds for robotics.