Falcon Report

Falcons Introduce Camera With Legs Named 'Benzie'

The Atlanta Falcons introduced what they are calling their "newest security associate."

Tim Kelly

In this story:

Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC -- revealed this week that they have what they are calling their "newest security associate," a camera with four legs named "Benzie." 

While you and I see a camera with four legs, robotic security solutions provider Asylon built this to mimic a military work dog. 

"Asylon’s DroneDog is a high-endurance, agile, and durable Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) built to automate ground-based security patrols. The system leverages Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot along with Asylon’s custom-built PupPack, DogHouse, and DroneIQ Software. DroneDog aims to make perimeter security easier by bringing the power of advanced robotics to the security operations center, using live video monitoring, remote teleoperation, daytime/nighttime cameras, automated charging, and more." 

Mercedes Benz-Superdome is the home of the Falcons. (USA Today)
Mercedes Benz-Superdome is the home of the Falcons. (USA Today)

There was probably an incredible amount of work put into this piece of technology -- and innovation is obviously very cool -- but it does look like something that managed to escape Sid's bedroom in "Toy Story." And if you've ever seen "2001: A Space Odyssey," you understand the fine line between innovation and making the robots just a little too smart for the good of humans. 

The Falcons will open their 2023 slate with two consecutive home games, welcoming the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In theory, they are two winnable games for a Falcons team that many believe could compete in the wide-open NFC South. 

Hopefully, Benzie doesn't steal the show, because there would be a lot bigger issues than whether Desmond Ridder is the long-term answer at quarterback for the Falcons if he (?) does.  

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Tim Kelly
TIM KELLY

Tim Kelly is a contributor to SI's NFL team sites. Additionally, Kelly covers the Philadelphia Phillies as the Editorial Director for PhilliesNation.com. Previously, Kelly has been a producer at SportsRadio 94 WIP and a content producer for Audacy Sports, with written content syndicated to WIP, WFAN, WEEI and some of the biggest sports radio stations in the country. Kelly also has contributed to Bleacher Report, Just Baseball, Sports Talk Philly and Section 215, FanSided's Philadelphia affiliate. Kelly is a 2018 graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in political science. 

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