Automotive Security: From Inflatables to Satellites

The year is 1910 and auto robberies are on the rise. A certain Mr. Bosco of Ohio has just wasted $5 on an ignition locking device that failed to prevent a determined thief to take the Bosco jalopy on a joy-ride.

Now, Mr. Bosco didn't quite take it kindly that the thief could take off with his ride in spite of having spent on an anti-theft deterrent device. In his rage, he had this brainwave that there is no better deterrent for a car thief than seeing a human in the car.

                                          (Source: canoe.ca)

So Mr. Bosco launched the 'Bosco Collapsible Driver'. An inflatable imitation of Charlie Chaplin, the 'Collapsible Driver' was meant to be put away once the owner had returned to the vehicle. Now, the adverts of that time really tried hard to convince the general public that the 'Bosco Collapsible Driver' was the best thing to happen to a driver trying to save his car from robbers.

The 'Bosco Inflatable Driver Co.' sadly had to fold up within two years of opening shop, perhaps due to the fact that one could only have as many inflatables in cars. But it is rumoured to have laid the building blocks of the automotive security industry.

                                      (Source: microvbb.net)



These days, we have security solutions that enable tracking of your precious vehicle using the entire communication network. Tracking the whereabouts via satellite in real time, you even receive updates on your cell phone at pre-determined intervals, to keep you relaxed about the location of your prized possession at all times.

As the digitization of our lives continues to grow in leaps and bounds, who knows what awaits us in our quest to keep our wheels safe...