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From: inc@fluke.UUCP (Gary Benson)
Newsgroups: net.general
Subject: Re: Idea for a Christmas present?
Message-ID: <745@tpvax.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 8-Jan-86 12:04:59 EST
Article-I.D.: tpvax.745
Posted: Wed Jan  8 12:04:59 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 11-Jan-86 07:32:56 EST
References: <3810@think.ARPA>
Distribution: net
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Lines: 31

*** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE ***
 
>    "A much more sinister arrival on the robot scene is named Prowler.
> Created by Robot Defense Systems in Colorado, Prowler has been designed
> for use as a sentry to guard ... sites where security is important.  When
> made available ...this ... device will carry microcomputers, software and
> sensors capable of locating intruders.

> Chillingly, buyers will be able to arm Prowler with machine guns and
> grenade launchers; they'll also be able to program the robot to fire at
> will.  The manufacturer claims that interest in Prowler has been high,
> both among domestic companies who see it as a comparatively low-cost
> replacement for 24-hour human security, and certain foreign countries
> where government officials might prefer guards that will never revolt."
> 
>                                         -- US Air magazine
> -- JP Massar, Thinking Machines Corporation, Cambridge, MA


Not to worry, JP. As anyone who's read Isaac Isamov can tell you, the
First Law of Robotics will always prevail. *IF* Prowlers are ever built,
they would experience the equivalent of a nervous breakdown the first time
they were confronted with a situation where their programming ran contrary
to one of the the Three Laws.


-- 
			       Ensign Benson
			       -Space Cadet-
 
    _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-The Digital Circus, Sector R-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_