Bomb-defusing robots successfully handle explosive threats in real-world tests
Let’s play a game. Close your eyes and envision a typical industrial robot. Maybe it’s a humanoid robot transporting cumbersome boxes as it traverses a large warehouse. Maybe it’s a robotic dog determining the health of various machines as it walks the plant floor. Maybe it’s a drone monitoring a facility for safety and security incidents as it flies through the air. Now, think of three adjectives to describe the robot. I bet you imagined words like “efficient,” “precise,” “reliable,” and “versatile.” One word that probably didn’t come to mind was “heroic.”
It might seem like a stretch to think of an inanimate object as “valiant” or “courageous,” but a team of U.K. scientists is working to change that. They are using robots of various types to perform one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs there is: detecting and defusing bombs. According to the BBC, robots have been used in some capacity to disable explosive devices for the past 40 years. This latest generation of robots, however, is nothing like its remote-controlled predecessors. These robots use the latest tech to keep military personnel and civilians safe while improving the efficiency and safety of these critical missions.
Scientists at the U.K.’s Ministry of Defence recently conducted live tests to see if robot dogs and other advanced robotic systems could detect and defuse various bomb threats. According to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the trials, which were conducted over the course of four days, were a success. The robots were tasked with a variety of actions, including:
- Remotely classifying and identifying threats
- Defusing bombs
- Threat and people detection
- Opening doors and climbing stairs
Dstl partnered with L3Harris, Marlborough Communications Ltd, and AeroVironment (Tomahawk Robotics) on the trials, which support the U.K. Government’s Plan for Change. This government initiative is designed to enhance national security through the implementation of new and advanced technologies. These tests prove that robotics can improve explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities by minimizing human exposure to dangerous situations, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining public safety. Specifically, robots can be used to:
- Reduce the need to put a bomb disposal operator in harm’s way
- Allow delicate and precision movements to be completed remotely and reliably
- Identify threats and monitor safety cordons
- Increase the pace of operations and reduce disruption to the public
Despite their achievements and praise, Dstl plans to continue its work. The organization will use feedback from the trials, as well as input from bomb disposal operators, to continue developing and enhancing robotics for the bomb disposal community.
In a recent quote, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said, “This advanced technology demonstrates our commitment to protecting the military personnel who keep our nation safe, at home and abroad. By working with industry and combining cutting-edge robotics with existing expertise, we’re ensuring our bomb disposal teams have the best possible tools to carry out their vital work safely and effectively.”
Chief Science and Technology Officer, Dstl, Prof Andy Bell, added, “This is a great example of how Defence can achieve an advantage through the exploitation of technology, fusing together military and commercial systems to keep our people and country safe from deadly threats. Working in partnership with industry and academia, Dstl is delivering mission success through science and technology advantage.”