The Autonomous Robot Kill Switch (ARK Switch™) is a groundbreaking standalone safety module designed to empower humans with immediate and decisive control over any autonomous robot or Al-controlled machine. Developed to ensure human safety and maintain trust in an increasingly automated world, the ARK Switch provides a universal, independent override mechanism that cuts main power in a single, decisive action, regardless of the robot's internal software.
Development Status & Timeline
The ARK Switch™ is **Patent Pending**. We are actively engineering the next iteration of our technology. Our current timeline targets a feature-complete prototype for partner testing in the **Fall of 2025**.
How It Operates: Simplicity and Decisiveness
The ARK Switch is designed for intuitive and immediate activation, offering two primary methods for human intervention:
- Direct Physical Activation: A prominent red button on the ARK Switch housing allows for instant, on-site shutdown.
- Wireless Remote Activation: Users can press and hold a wireless fob, wearable device, or a dedicated smartphone application for approximately two seconds within a 10-yard (9-meter) radius of the robot. This action transmits a secure shut-down signal via Wi-Fi, infrared, and ultrasonic channels, ensuring reliable communication in diverse environments.
Crucially, the logic of the ARK Switch operates entirely independently of the robot's internal software. Upon activation, it physically opens the main battery connection, instantly cutting power to the autonomous system.
Data, Review, and Resilience
Every activation is meticulously logged, recording the date, time, and triggering credential for post-event analysis. Furthermore, the device features on-board storage that saves video footage from 10 minutes before to 10 minutes after the event, providing invaluable data for incident review. A robust back-up battery ensures the ARK Switch remains powered for days after a power cut, facilitating a human-initiated restart when safe to do so.
Secure Restart Process
Restarting an ARK Switch-equipped robot is designed to be a secure, multi-factor human-centric process, preventing unauthorized or accidental reactivation:
- Biometric Verification: A finger must be placed on a biometric pad for approximately four seconds, verifying warmth and pulse.
- Service Code Entry: A unique service code must be entered via a linked smartphone application.
Significantly, no remote or software-only command can restart the ARK Switch, reinforcing its role as a truly independent human override.