Paintball Security Camera Makes Enter at Own Risk Real

A forward-thinking Slovenian startup has developed an innovative smart security camera that not only monitors visitors but also shoots paintball pellets or tear gas rounds at potential intruders with “ultra-high precision.” What could go wrong?

DIY home security systems are now widespread. These systems are user-friendly enough that almost anyone can set one up to monitor their property while away, check on pets during work hours, or keep an eye on Airbnb guests. The market is flooded with similar devices, often causing this writer’s interest to wane with each new press release.

In this instance, meet PaintCam Eve – a home security camera ready to shoot at the slightest provocation.

The name may sound innocent, but this smart home “guardian” has a more mischievous, even menacing, side. Combining elements of an oversized arcade game with the intensity of Squid Game, PaintCam Eve utilizes automatic target marking, facial recognition, and AI-driven decision-making to identify unfamiliar visitors to your property, day or night.

Eve’s Tactical Response

It issues an ED-209-style warning to unknown individuals. If they don’t leave within a set timeframe, Eve starts shooting paintball pellets. These not only mark the intruder for potential police identification but also provide enough discomfort to encourage them to leave.

For those seeking an even more dramatic response, Eve offers the option of tear gas projectiles. It’s akin to having an eager riot police squad stationed on your doorstep.

Eve’s creators describe it as “an ever-watchful guardian that never rests, blinks, or misses a moment” and as “an active participant in your safety.” While they don’t label it a salesman-repellent for insurance agents, we’re free to entertain the idea.

Remote Access and Autonomous Operation

Beyond its playful yet potentially harmful antics, Eve offers standard security camera functionalities. It provides remote access, assuring autonomous operation in case of internet outages (surely, nothing could go awry here).

You also have the option to choose who gets targeted. If an unfamiliar face appears alongside a known visitor in Eve’s view, its facial recognition software will alert you, seeking instructions on the next steps. As if meeting your partner’s parents for the first time wasn’t nerve-wracking enough.

Certain versions of the system can also recognize familiar pets, suggesting they might shoot at the neighbor’s cat or other nearby wildlife if selected. This feature could be useful for those who raise chickens and live in fox-prone areas.

Live Monitoring, Night Vision, and User-Friendly Design

While the manufacturers haven’t provided detailed specifications, they do promise essential features expected in home security: live monitoring, customizable alerts, night vision, object tracking, motion detection, and a sleek, user-friendly design. Additionally, it offers video storage and playback—features that would undoubtedly capture intriguing footage.

Questions arise: Can we rely on people to use this technology responsibly? (History suggests otherwise.) Could Eve turn into an adult version of ‘ding-dong ditch’ with paintballs among neighbors? Do burglars genuinely fear getting their clothes stained?

Is it ethically acceptable to use tear gas on persistent door-to-door salespeople, even after politely declining their offers multiple times? Should home security be approached with the intensity of modern warfare?

If you were to test Eve’s precision on a tardy Uber Eats delivery driver who accidentally spilled your lukewarm laksa, would it negatively impact your star rating? Just curious.

Lastly, would you face legal consequences if Eve accidentally injured a neighborhood child or a wandering pet?

If you’re as intrigued by this system as we are, the PaintCam team will launch a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign on April 23. Along with pricing, we anticipate receiving more technical details and exciting videos (see below).

In the meantime, check out this prototype testing video, complete with slow-motion footage.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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