100th Indianapolis 500 Winner Rossi Unveils Namesake Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV Security Robot at IMS

Alexander Rossi earned racing immortality and a coveted, permanent spot on the Borg-Warner Trophy after winning the 100th Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil as a rookie in 2016.

Race fans and visitors at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also will get another reminder of Verizon IndyCar Series star Rossi through a new, second Sharp INTELLOS Automated Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) nicknamed “ROSS-E,” which Rossi helped to unveil May 7 at the famed Yard of Bricks on the IMS oval.

The first Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV, the Official Security Robot of IMS, was deployed earlier this year. Both the first robot, nicknamed “Indy5PO,” and “ROSS-E” provide an added layer of safety and security protection for the largest spectator sporting facility in the world.

Both INTELLOS A-UGV robots will be deployed throughout the Month of May at IMS, including during the INDYCAR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 12 and the 102nd Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on Sunday, May 27.

“With the Indianapolis 500 being the biggest single day sporting event in the world, the continual importance and priority placed on security and safety is a great thing for all of us,” Rossi said.

The Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV is a multi-terrain, mobile sensor, data-gathering robot that can capture video, audio and environmental information while providing a visible deterrent without the aid of a human driver. It uses a navigation surveillance platform to patrol predefined routes, extending the property coverage and impact of a traditional security force, while keeping manpower safely protected from direct threats.

Sharp’s INTELLOS A-UGV also can act as a sentry, monitoring in a stationary position, for an extra layer of protection and has a semi-autonomous mode for incident response. Included are standard information-gathering tools, plus optional observation and sensor equipment configurable to meet IMS’ changing safety needs.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corporation. Sharp is a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, professional displays, robotics and energy systems. For more information, visit SharpUSA.com.

Rossi was featured on large promotional banners over the Speedway’s Gate 2 last year as the reigning Indy 500 champion. This year, 2017 winner Takuma Sato graces the banners, so Rossi is happy to still be very visible around the Speedway grounds in a new, different way.

“It’s very good because Takuma’s face is over the tunnel now, so he took that away from me,” Rossi said with a smile. “So I’m glad now that I have something to stake my claim, if you will.”