Real Mobile Video from Surveyorby John NeelyPublished on May 26, 2006 2:00 PM 
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May 26, 2006 - The Surveyor Corporation recently announced its SRV-1 Mobile Robotic Webcam, a crudely shaped but clever internet-controlled camera on wheels. It combines a processor, infrared sensors, wireless communications device, and camera (up to 640 x 480 resolution) on the back of tank-inspired chassis. The starter kit, which ships with software and more, runs for $375.
The unit measures a mere 12 x 10 x 7 cm and weighs only 400 grams. Power is supplied by a 7.2V 2AH Li-ion battery, which Surveyor claims will offer “operation in excess of 4 hours on a single charge,” depending on use.
The unit can clip along the carpet at a variable speed of 20cm - 40cm /second (about 1/3 mph). Speed and differential steering are all part of the web-control function, provided via a Zigbee 802.15.4 wireless device and base station in distances up to 100m indoors and 1000m in line-of-sight. Surveyor’s Satcam camera software can be operated remotely on Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux platforms.
The camera itself, also operated through Satcam, transmits video images via the same wireless channel to a remote computer. The onboard webcam specs are unimpressive, capturing images at resolutions from 80 x 64 to 640 x 480. Then again, few camcorders can match the unique capabilities of the SRV-1 - fully mobile, remote-controlled video – with a consumer-friendly price.
The Surveyor SRV-1 starter kit, with robot, base station radio, and battery charger is currently available for $375. The robot and base station can also be purchased separately. For sales and more information, see the Surveyor website.
A fleet of SRV-1 robots awaits remote surveillance instructions.