We have definitely seen our share of robots and crossing guards, but we almost never really see a combination of the two. An application filed by Samsung today at the US Patent & Trademark office seems to suggest that at least some people have been thinking long and hard about bots helping humans conquer the mean streets of our cities using a multitude of on-board tech -- from infrared and proximity sensors -- to devices enabling wireless communication between traffic lights and other robots. According to the application, the machines could inherit the traditional reflective properties often associated with crossing guard attire -- you know, the perfect guise for keeping their true intentions concealed.

Samsung patent application explores the possibility of phasing out human crossing guards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.