Tu To Staff Writer
Zachary Henson Contributor
“RoboRanger,” a new self-defense device, is expected to be released in July of 2017 by the company Robocopp. According to www.kickstarter.com, the “RoboRanger” is the first connected personal alarm that sounds a roaring 130-decibel alarm, while simultaneously mobilizing a professional 911 response. The device is an upgraded version of the company’s “Sound Grenade,” which sets off an alarm when a pin is removed. According to Jill Turner, the public relations director of Robocopp, the company received a great deal of positive feedback as well as suggestions after launching the “Sound Grenade.” “People asked us if the device could call the police, and we thought that was a really good idea,” said Turner. The “RoboRanger” integrates GPS and GMS (cell-signal) transmitters to incorporate in the upgraded security device. According to Turner, the device also comes with a pre-installed SIM card, which automatically sends signals to the police and other programmed phone numbers. “Those technologies help the police to locate the exact coordinate of the users, which will significantly reduce the time needed in emergency,” Turner said. When purchasing a “RoboRanger,” users fill out a registration form to add five emergency contacts of their choice, so that when the device notifies the authorities, it simultaneously notifies the emergency contacts. According to Turner, it takes approximately 20 seconds for the device to transfer the user’s location to the monitoring center, and about three minutes to receive 911 responses. However, the time can vary depending on where people are located. What makes the device more effective than a typical self-defense tool, such as pepper spray, according to Turner, is that the “RoboRanger” can deter possible threats while simultaneously attracting attention from the surroundings. According to John McCall, chief of university police, the “RoboRanger” is a great alternative to using traditional defensive tools because defensive tools require people to assault their assailants. “Anything you use is better than nothing,” McCall said. Turner said that the company aims to create a criminal deterrent that can prevent confrontation with the attacker. According to Turner, the company does not have any specific target market right now but she thinks the functions of the device blend well with college campuses. “Sometimes when being stalked or attacked, people cannot shout out loud for help,” Turner said. “The alarm can be a perfect tool when the students want to get a policeman or patrolman’s attention.” The device is relatively small so that it can be clipped into keychains for ease of access. Tori Tolle, a sophomore biomedical sciences major from Dothan, said that she would feel more comfortable on campus if she possessed the device. “The best way to get help is make sure everybody knows what is going on,” Tolle said. Tolle also said that she does not want to hurt people with pepper spray or a Taser, so protecting herself by getting people’s attention is safer and more effective. An early bird pre-order of the “RoboRanger” is available on robocopp.com for $79. “It is just $7 a month for a self-defensive system,” said Turner. “I think it’s well worth it.”
Tech Talk: RoboRanger security device revealed
