The InformationWeek -- Blogs
Security

Topics:   Security

  • Email this page E-mail this page
  • Print this page Print this page
  • Bookmark and Share
  • icon

Super Bowl. Robo Security.


Posted by George Hulme, Feb 2, 2008 09:07 PM

While the Department of Homeland Security says there are no specific terror threats regarding Super Bowl XLII, security is being taken seriously at the game, where the New England Patriots will face off against the New York Giants.

The game has been designated a level one security event by the Department of Homeland Security. That authorizes the use of federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Secret Service to help local and state law enforcement keep the event safe.

There's also a no fly zone, a secure perimeter, and spectators should expect to be vetted before getting through. And there's a list of prohibited items ranging from beach balls to weapons. Fans also can expect scads of security cameras and aircraft flying above surveying the area, while trained dogs will be on the lookout for explosives.

But if you're not going to the game, and you happen to notice a strange metallic object roaming around the stadium or parking lot while you’re watching from home, don't worry, it's just probably an HD-1.

According to Northrop Grumman, the company will be providing support for robots produced by its subsidiary, Remotec. "We're here to support the event and hopefully go unnoticed by fans. Our job isn't to be a disruption but to keep danger at a distance," Mack Barber, president of Remotec, an operating unit of Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector, said in a release.

Northrop Grumman manufactures a variety of hazardous duty robots, all dubbed with sci-fi sounding names: The HD-1, F6A, Mark V-A1, Mini-Andros II, and the Wolverine. They’re designed to deal with an array of nasty materials and explosives.

They’ll be roaming a two-square mile zone around the stadium.

« D'oh! -- I Should Have Made A Backup #2 | Main | New 'Evil Finder' Appliance Thwarts Bank Heist »



Sign up now for the weekly InformationWeek Blog Newsletter.


This is a public forum. United Business Media and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. United Business Media makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers.

Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of United Business Media LLC and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in United Business Media's Terms of Service.

Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business.