The robotic key duplicator

Frank brought this nice little key-duplicating robot to my attention. The ‘minuteKey’ seems like a great idea! (check their site or see the FAQ for the limitations)

I am not sure how wise it is to have your home keys scanned and analyzed by a robot and then identify yourself to it by paying with a credit-card (no cash payment possible). On top of that it needs your e-mail address in order to mail you a receipt. The first thing that comes to mind is that all this data quickly turns into a pretty interesting database, especially if the minuteKey becomes popular and widespread.

Interesting times we live in …

12 Responses to “The robotic key duplicator”

  1. Anonymous says:

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  2. MrB0t says:

    Finally an automated way for me to get DO NOT DUPLICATE keys duplicated. I hope it snaps a picture/video of the person making the purchase. This has bad news written all over it. Not to mention all the privacy issues it presents.

  3. elphreaker says:

    I suppose it doesn’t keep a big key cut archive.

    Something funny is that the keys are cut with what’s called an “ideal cut” with no little spikes in between cuts, that’s nice for the lock, but bad for the user, as when you have one hand occupied and you pull the door with the key, it will move further out if it has an ideal cut.
    On a lock placed on a buiding access door, which is used many times a day it could probably fall out when you pull the door with the key.

  4. Seiran says:

    Walmart has one. They look different, but it does the same thing, takes credit cards and could infact be a Minutekey machine. Check your local U.S. Walmart Supercenter automotive department to see it in action.

  5. JOsh says:

    Fry’s electronics in Las Vegas Nevada has one

  6. adam says:

    Kwikset: KW1 and KW10 + Schlage: SC1 + Weiser: WR3 and WR5 (in some areas) = 5 key blanks total.

    So easy connivence machine, not gonna replace having to goto the locksmith.

    i was hoping it was gonna be much cooler 🙁

  7. elphreaker says:

    @MrB0t:

    “Do not duplicate” is a simple statement. If the key is patent protected, obviously that machine won’t have the blanks.

    Here in Spain, once the patent expires, JMA makes the blank key, distributes it, and you can make copy’s all over the country of “Do not copy” keys. 🙁

  8. CJ says:

    “I suppose it doesn’t keep a big key cut archive.”

    Payment by credit card and emailed receipts. That tells us that it has an internet connection at least. Then on the FAQ, “If your duplicate key does not work properly, you are entitled to a full refund. “. Refund means that the machine is keeping logs, possibly sent out remotely? It’s a great idea until you think about it security wise, then it’s at the very least headache inducing.

  9. rai says:

    Im sure the feebs have a little contract to sweep up the harddrive of this machine and keep it all fresh and clean.

    Its the perfect replacement for H. edward tickel….

  10. jgor says:

    One popped up at my local Fry’s Electronics (Austin, TX) today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYo9zm303_I
    Also got screenshots of a FAQ page on the keyways accepted and the “Enforcement” part of the user policy, if anyone’s interested I’ll find a place to publish them.

  11. Eyes_Only says:

    Does this thing only take credit card payments or does it also take cash?

  12. jon says:

    this means that restricted keys (medeco, mtl, etc…) can be duplicated, right?