Robo Cop Falters At Chicago Police Demo
Terry Trippany on Nov 18 2006 at 8:20 am | Filed under: Feature Article, Politicians at Work
I know this is the kind of headline that Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and police Superintendent Phil Cline feared after they attended a demo of their new $135,000 bomb sniffing robot.
The department unveiled its new arsenal against terror in a heavily scripted publicity stunt with the press and top aids looking on. Unfortunately the robot couldn’t make it past the first two steps and nearly fell over when it stumbled on the second.
On Thursday, Mayor Daley, Police Supt. Phil Cline and Chief Emergency Officer Cortez Trotter watched uncomfortably as Frank took a half-dozen attempts to climb a two-step riser at Navy Pier.
Frank took what seemed an eternity to get up the first step and stumbled on the second before falling backward. Fortunately, it never did tip over.
But the demonstration was so painfully slow, it was tough to envision Frank easily doing what Cline said the robot could do: Locate suspicious devices, defuse bombs, detect hazardous chemicals or send messages and food to suspects and captives in hostage situations.
Afterward, Trotter was visibly annoyed. – The Chicago Sun Times
Go ahead punk make my day! (but please don’t make me climb steps!)
Mayor Daley had a great sense of humor surrounding the whole incident.
Daley, whose public appearances are heavily scripted, took the embarrassment in stride.
“You have to understand dealing with Bomb & Arson – they don’t rush things,” said the mayor, not known for his patience. “They have to take their time in regards to the safety of the men and women … of the unit. It takes time.
The commanding officer of the bomb squad was not so quick on his feet when it came to explaining what went wrong.
“Part of the reason was the steps are kind of rickety. Secondly, there was carpeting on the steps and it was slipping on the carpet. That’s a very tough challenge for them to go up,” Gerhardstein said.
Sometimes it’s better not to say anything at all.
No fears though. If all else fails the robot can also deliver food and drinks! The robot was purchased with Department of Homeland Security funds.
We are covering more of the light side of news today so I refer you to the following:
- Wizbang: Robotom!
- Hot Air: Video: Jane Skinner blows a line on Fox News
Robo Cop Falters At Chicago Police DHS
Chicago, Richard Daley, Phil Cline, bomb sniffing robot, Bomb, Arson, Department of Homeland Security, Robo Cop, Chicago Police, DHS
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