Indianapolis Motor Speedway Deploys Second Intellos Security Robot
The new robot will assist the security detail at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as fans begin to flood this week to “The Racing Capital of the World.”
On May 8, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials introduced a second Sharp Intellos automated unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) to its security detail.
INDIANAPOLIS — At a maximum of 3 mph, the latest set of wheels to hit the famed Indianapolis 500 track won’t exactly be burning rubber, but it may likely be a fan favorite.
On May 8, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials introduced a second Sharp Intellos automated unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) to its security detail. Named “Ross-E” after 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi, the robot joins Indy 5P0, which was first deployed at the track in January.
The robots weigh more than 400 pounds and feature 360-degree surveillance cameras, all-terrain tires, a multitude of sensors and two-way voice technology so security can communicate with fans.
“The track was built in 1909 to demonstrate new technology, and it’s kind of fun that almost 110 years almost later, we are doing the same thing,” IMS President Doug Boles said at the unveiling. “We are about testing new technology and in this world today, you want to take every advantage you have to be safe and secure not just our customers but the facility in general.”
The Indianapolis 500 is said to be the single largest sporting event in the world. Indy 500 practice sessions begin Tuesday (May 15) and will continue, along with other related activities, up to the 102nd running of the famed race on May 27.
With so many thousands of people in one place, the safety and security of visitors, personnel and driving teams is paramount. Boles said via the Hendricks County Flyer the new Sharp robot is helping head of security Mike Bates and the rest of the team to make sure that all is safe at the speedway.
“We’re extremely excited to add this capability as far as safety and security to our arsenal,” Bates said. “We’re all about safety and security out here, based on the fact that we do have a large crowd — the largest one-day sporting event in the world. [W]e’re pleased to have this relationship with Sharp. The addition of another robot provides a lot of assistance to our security and safety capabilities.”
Greg Tucker of Sharp said that the Intellos robot is designed to work autonomously.
“It drives around on a pre-programmed path,” he said. “It has cameras and speakers to report everything it sees back to the security team. It can go anywhere around the property.”
Tucker said the programmed system includes safety features that will not allow the robot to run into visitors, cars or other items such as trash cans or even a safety cone that may have been left in the wrong place.
“It has sirens and various lights, and through the microphone and speaker system a guard back at the command station can talk to someone out in the field,” he said.
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