A pioneering X-ray robot designed to detect weapons and
explosives is a step closer to saving lives on the battlefield.
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) experts have run
field trials on a Rapiscan
American Science and Engineering produced prototype that uses
X-Ray Backscatter (XRBS) imaging technology mounted on a L3Harris T7
remote-controlled robot.
This would save lives by enabling military personnel to look
inside containers - including cars and walls - for hidden weapons
or explosive material without being near the potential threat.
Operators would also be able to scan large areas quicker leading
to increased situational awareness giving troops an operational
advantage.
Trial Manager Elaine said:
X-ray Backscatter is an established technology but what we are
trying to do is apply it to explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) –
this approach is novel.
Being able to robotically mount X-ray Backscatter provides
additional situational awareness, potentially to see if there is
a threat item without having to go anywhere near it. It feels
amazing to be involved in a project that could go on to save
lives.
She added that it was extremely rewarding from joining as a
graduate to demonstrating this capability in her first role as
trial manager.
The project is a collaboration with the US government and two
prototypes have been created.
After the successful field tests the project team will be using
the feedback to assess what modifications would be needed to turn
this prototype into a military asset that could be used on the
battlefield.
Physics graduate Lyndsey:
It’s incredible to be working on such ground-breaking technology.
The reason I did physics was because I wanted to make a
difference in the world and I really wanted to help people.
I feel like this project does this. I love it. It’s a great day’s
work. It definitely is a really cool project to work on.
The team have been demonstrating the capability to UK and US
stakeholders using simulated explosive and non-conventional
threats as well as various firearms.
They showed the prototype detecting threats through bags, plastic
drums and metal lockers in addition to a car and a variety of
wall materials.
The prototype imager head is mounted on the robot arm and is
operated via a haptic controller. Combining the X-ray
Backscatter system with the EOD robot has allowed demonstration
of remote deployment of the capability across multiple terrains.
The Backscatter technology forms the image by sweeping a small
‘pencil beam’ of X-rays across the target and detecting those
reflected back using detectors mounted on the front of the
imager.
The image is transmitted back to the operator in real-time for
analysis.
Senior Principal Scientist Andrew said:
The feedback we’ve had from our stakeholders who have come to see
the system up here has been very positive, better than I could
have hoped for really.
I’ve been jotting things down – some direct quotes to use – and I
think my favourite so far has been ‘I want one!’
When they say something like that you know you’ve delivered
something that has piqued their interest.
