January 4, 2008: Base security is increasingly being turned over to robots. Not just patrolling robots and computer controlled sensors, but automated entry gates. The U.S. Department of Defense has begun using automated pedestrian gates. These use biometrics (thumb prints, usually) and ID cards with electronic data built in. The automated gates are covered by sensors and video cameras, to insure that only the person with the proper ID card comes though the computer controlled gates. There are actually two rotating gates per automated entry point, so the software has time to double check the person entering, before allowing them on the base. Each automated gate costs about $250,000. Automated vehicle gates would cost more, but would more easily perform the vehicle security checks. The cost benefits of automated gates are pretty straightforward. Each military person on gate duty costs over $100,000 a year (in pay and benefits), and you need several to handle a gate year round. Civilian security guards are cheaper, but not by a whole lot, since you need reliable people handling these gates. The military has, since September 11, 2001, been using an increasing number of security cameras and other sensors to guard bases. There are even mobile robots to move along fence lines, and patrol areas at night, or remote areas that rarely have people in them. The robots are not only cheaper, but more reliable. And they don't complain about boring security duty.