Designer: Logon Technology
Bridging the Worlds of Recreational Mobility and Robotic Patrol
For many, the Onewheel was like an eye-opener on how technology can blend in with movement. With its gyroscopic, self-balancing system, Onewheel users can zip across sidewalks, streets, or trails with a sense of natural control. I pointed out the durable construction, water-resistant parts, and that unique sense of control that makes riding it so addictive in my Yanko Design review.
The Rotunbot RT-G is linked conceptually to the Onewheel, not through its single-wheel design, but by using fancy gyroscopic stabilization to maintain its spherical form. If the Onewheel feels avant-garde, the Rotunbot RT-G looks totally surreal—like something straight from a sci-fi movie. While the Onewheel was created for personal use, the Rotunbot RT-G is tackling a whole different issue: automating certain parts of law enforcement and emergency response.
The Rotunbot RT-G: A Futuristic Patrol Orb Straight Out of Sci-Fi
Developed by Logon Technology in China and currently being trialed in the commercial areas of Wenzhou, the Rotunbot RT-G weighs in at 125 kg (276 lbs). Its design is a perfect sphere equipped with an internal gyroscopic mechanism that keeps it balanced as it zooms around. Unlike standard patrol robots that run on wheels or tracks, the RT-G can seamlessly pivot in any direction. While the Onewheel uses a single wheel for a skateboard-like feel, the Rotunbot’s entire outer shell rolls, creating a visually stunning and uniquely functional design.
Speed and Acceleration
One similarity between the Onewheel and the Rotunbot is the focus on speed and agility. Depending on the type, Onewheel models usually max out around 25 km/h (15 mph). In contrast, the Rotunbot RT-G can chase suspects at speeds of up to 35 km/h (22 mph)—even on water. It reaches this max speed in just 2.5 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a 125-kg sphere. Quick acceleration is crucial in law enforcement, where timing can mean the difference between catching a suspect or losing track of them. Its amphibious features further broaden its usage, allowing it to glide over muddy tracks, slush, shallow waters, and likely even puddles without tipping over.
China’s police have now a new helper: a spherical patrol robot that can reach 30 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Inspired by a concept orginally from Mercury probe project, this speedy machine is ready to roll on both land and water. #FutureChina pic.twitter.com/q0sdEkYfxB
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) December 14, 2024
Movement Mechanics
The Rotunbot employs an internal array of gyroscopes and stabilizers reminiscent of the tech in personal electric unicycles or Onewheels. It’s like a self-contained orb that stands upright from within, with the outer shell spinning around its fixed center. Unlike the Onewheel’s single tire, the entire surface of the Rotunbot acts as the “wheel.” Turning occurs through subtle shifts in internal weight and torque distribution, quite similar to how you lean on a Onewheel when turning.
Crime-Fighting Features: An Orb of Non-Lethal Tools
What really sets the Rotunbot RT-G apart from a consumer device is its arsenal of non-lethal tools for law enforcement. The spherical bot can release tear gas, smoke bombs, net shooters, sonic crowd deterrents, loud alarms, and a wide variety of cameras and sensors. These methods aim at providing crowd management, suspect immobilization, and relaying warnings or instructions.
The Chinese company #Logon Technology has recently introduced the RT-G spherical police robot, able to operate both on land and in water and chase criminals#Future #Prospective #humanity #NewWorld #robotic #TechTrends pic.twitter.com/ipxLohvF83
— AAMC (@docangelmtz1) November 13, 2024
On a personal mobility device like the Onewheel, sensors work to balance the rider and assess the surface. For the Rotunbot, sensors go well beyond movement: multiple cameras track and assess risks, GPS keeps it on course, and ultrasonic sensors help it create a map of its surroundings. Facial recognition tech can spot known offenders or track persons of interest. These features allow officers to operate it from a distance, greatly increasing safety in demanding situations, helping to protect personnel while maintaining effective control.
Real-World Constraints: What Holds It Back?
Just like the Onewheel can’t go up stairs or make sharp turns in tight spaces, the Rotunbot RT-G has its own set of limitations. The spherical design struggles with steep elevation changes, like stairs or high curbs. While a Onewheel rider might be able to hop off and carry the board up a staircase, you can’t just lift a 125-kg robot. This greatly restricts the RT-G’s ability to chase suspects into multi-level buildings or subways.
Despite its impressive speeds, making sharp turns can cause the orb to wobble or lose some stability. In a high-pressure chase with quick direction switches—like dodging through narrow alleyways or pedestrian-heavy areas—the Rotunbot might not be as nimble as a quick officer or a suspect in a car. Similarly, just like planning a path on a Onewheel to dodge obstacles, the RT-G’s spherical shape must consider potential tipping hazards or traction issues.
Currently, the RT-G is controlled remotely by humans, though future models might take on more autonomous features. This brings to mind early personal mobility devices that initially needed constant user input before newer software advances improved their stability. Just like before, real-world testing might yield improvements that enable the Rotunbot to take on more complex tasks independently. But introducing autonomy also surfaces a lot of ethical and practical concerns in law enforcement. Issues like liability, hacking, misidentification of targets, and the use of force all need serious discussions.
Potential Applications Beyond Crime-Fighting
Just like Onewheel tech can inspire new personal mobility gadgets (think electric skateboards, self-balancing scooters, e-bikes, etc.), the Rotunbot RT-G’s spherical design could be useful in various other areas. Disaster response is one thought: an amphibious spherical robot could roll through flooded zones or after building collapses to find survivors, carry supplies, or chart debris fields. Environmental monitoring is another great use—imagine these orbs checking pollution levels in far-off wetlands or patrolling coastlines for illegal dumping.
The RT-G could be adapted for non-policing industries by swapping out its tear gas and net launchers for medical devices or scanning tools. Its robust, amphibious, self-balancing mobility makes it a promising platform for countless future uses.
Future and Ethical Considerations
The Rotunbot RT-G marks a significant development in robotic law enforcement, yet it brings forward ethical concerns. Balancing privacy, safety, and efficiency is no simple task in a system meant to monitor, chase, and possibly subdue individuals. Mistakes in facial recognition, accountability for automated decisions, and cybersecurity threats must be dealt with prior to broader implementation. Despite its limitations like stair challenges, sharp turns, and partial autonomy, ongoing innovations could make it lighter, faster, and more capable.
In essence, the RT-G resembles devices like the Onewheel in spirit, both utilizing state-of-the-art technology to transform movement and mobility. Whether patrolling streets or traversing through flood zones, its imaginative design reflects that technology keeps pushing the limits, changing how we engage with our environments. As these advancements unfold, they signify a notable shift in mobility and robotics, showcasing how creativity and practical engineering can redefine entire sectors.