Bum Bot

Guide Note:

The Bum Bot is a remote-controlled robot designed to chase away loiterers. Among the robot's security features are video camera, a speaker, and also a powerful water cannon, all of which are mounted in a rotating turrent. The turret sits atop a small treaded wheel housing reminiscent to a tank. The person controlling the Bum Bot can issue warnings from the loudspeaker and use the water cannon on anyone who doesn't comply. It has proven to be effective to this end, alredy having chased homeless people and drug dealers from inventor Rufus Terrell's property.

Bum Bot Inventor

57-year old Rufus Terrell is an ex-Marine and trained as an environmental engineer. He bought his Downtown Atlanta bar, called O'Terrill's, in 2004. He attempted to scare off people loitering around his bar by brandishing an automatic weapon, putting up spotlights, and other means before he built the remote-controlled Bum Bot.

Bum Bot Controversy

Criticism for the Bum Bot has come from many quarters: neighborhood activists are unhappy with its presence and have threatened to protest, advocates for the homeless question Terrill's motives, and even roboticists have noted that Bum Bot plays on anxiety about robots used for policing, and is not a good example of what robots can do for people. Terrill asserts that it has increased police presence and has been a boon to the community.

Fast Facts:

1. Invented by bar owner Rufus Terrill
2. Made completely of used parts
3. The person controlling can speak through the robot through walkie-talkie
4. The camera on the bot transmits back to a big-screen TV