Robot dogs that can defuse explosives are set to revolutionise
bomb disposal operations and significantly reduce the risk to
military personnel, whether operating in the UK or
overseas.
A new live trial led by Ministry of Defence scientists has seen
advanced robotic systems, including robot dogs, successfully
detecting, and defusing bomb threats.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) trials took
place over four days and included:
- Remote classification and identification of threats using
sensors on robots;
- Defusing of bombs from a robot dog;
- Drones with AI autonomous threat and people
detection;
- And robots conducting tasks such as opening doors and
climbing stairs.
The trial supports key components of the UK Government's Plan for
Change, safeguarding national security whilst rapidly advancing
new technologies – showing defence as an engine for
growth.
Dstl worked alongside British and international industry,
L3Harris, Marlborough Communications Ltd and AeroVironment
(Tomahawk Robotics) on the trials which showed that they could
enhance Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability
by:
- Reducing the need to put a bomb disposal operator in harm's
way by increasing the number of tasks that robots can perform
remotely;
- Improving the effectiveness of robots, reducing the burden to
the operator, allowing delicate and precision movements to be
completed reliably;
- Using drones equipped with AI to identify threats and monitor
safety cordons, increasing the pace of operations and reducing
disruption to the public.
The trials involved a series of scenarios, where the robot was
asked to perform various tasks including opening and closing
doors autonomously, navigating stairs, inspecting improvised
explosive devices (IEDs) and consequently firing disruptors at
the IEDs to render them safe.
These innovations will transform EOD operations by minimising the
human exposure to danger, improving operational efficiency and
maintaining public safety.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, , 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.
“These advancements help the government deliver our Plan for
Change and ensure defence is an engine for growth – protecting
our national security while supporting rapidly evolving
technologies.”
Bomb disposal operators praised the technology demonstrated in
the trial and provided beneficial feedback to shape the next
phase of Dstl investment in robotics for the bomb disposal
community. Dstl will use this feedback to continue to develop and
enhance technology that provides increased security for the
nation.
Chief Science and Technology Officer, Dstl, Prof Andy
Bell, said:
“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.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Ministry of Defence, through its upcoming Defence
Industrial Strategy, will continue moving forward defence
innovation by investing in cutting-edge technologies and creating
partnerships to maintain a military advantage.
- Supporting economic growth through highly-skilled jobs and
opportunities, the defence industry is a major contributor to the
UK economy. MOD industry expenditure with industry supports more
than 200,000 UK jobs.
- Dstl supplies specialist and sensitive services
to MOD and wider government, working collaboratively
with external partners in industry and academia and worldwide,
providing expert research, specialist advice and invaluable
operational support.
