--- title: "IndyCar’s Alexander Rossi Unveils Security Robot Ross-E" description: "The unmanned rover at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway features six cameras, lidar, and a simultaneous two-way radio communication system." date: "2018-05-09" modified: "2018-05-09" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/20725/indycars-alexander-rossi-unveils-security-robot-ross-e" categories: - "News" tags: - "Alexander Rossi" - "cyber security" - "Indianapolis" - "Indianapolis Motor Speedway" - "Indy 500" - "Indycar Series" - "News" - "Racing News" - "Robot" --- # IndyCar’s Alexander Rossi Unveils Security Robot Ross-E ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* 2016 Indy 500 winner [Alexander Rossi]() pulled the wraps off the newest and fanciest security officer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: An unmanned security robot dubbed "Ross-E." Rossi and Ross-E made an appearance at a press conference held on the venerable yard of bricks on Tuesday, where members of the [Indianapolis Motor Speedway]() safety and security team, as well as the robot's manufacturer, Sharp, explained the important role that the interestingly cute robot plays at the massive facility. Ross-E will join "Indy 5PO," another Intellos Automated Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) effective immediately. ![message-editor%2F1525836188937-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-7.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* ![message-editor%2F1525836198391-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-5.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* ![message-editor%2F1525836204139-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-4.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* ![message-editor%2F1525836261066-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-9.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* Ross-E is equipped with a high-tech lidar system similar to what's found in semi-autonomous vehicles, as well six different cameras, including one that can be raised up to six feet in the air, and a radio communications system that allows remote operators to interact in real-time with the field. "Ross-E, much like Indy 5PO will be a year-round member of our security team," Michael Bates, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Director of Safety and Security told *The Drive*. "During races, it will be more of a stand-still visibility piece, so people will see it with all of its cameras deployed catching a glimpse of everything that's going on. After hours, [both Sharp robots]() are able to roam the grounds regardless of weather conditions at up to four miles per hour thanks to their specialty tires and lighting systems." ![message-editor%2F1525836235439-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-2.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* ![message-editor%2F1525836245822-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-3.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* ![message-editor%2F1525836308924-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-8.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* ![message-editor%2F1525836315189-ims-ross-e-robot-jerry-perez-6.jpg]() *DRIVESWGIRLS* Despite manning hundreds of employees during all the events held at the Speedway, a little high-tech help goes a long way when crowds exceed 300,000 individuals. In fact, [the Indy 500]() is the largest sporting event in terms of attendance, with the 100th running of the race in 2016 reaching half a million attendees. Thankfully, Ross-E and Indy 5PO weigh around 400 pounds, so the chances of an inebriated race fan trying to take "Wall-E" home are pretty slim. In typical racer fashion, Rossi commandeered Ross-E's controller and made it [perform a few donuts on the yard of bricks]() before it went back to its charging station. Needless to say, Ross-E passed its test with flying colors. ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()