The Ministry of Defence is leading a new trial, which has seen advanced robotic systems, including robot dogs, successfully detecting, and defusing bomb threats.
Trials by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) 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.
Dstl worked alongside British and international industry, L3Harris, Marlborough Communications Ltd and AeroVironment (Tomahawk Robotics) on the trials, which took place over four days.
The trials showed how Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability could be enhanced 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 and improving the effectiveness of robots, reducing the burden to the operator, allowing delicate and precision movements to be completed reliably.
It is also possible to use drones equipped with AI to identify threats and monitor safety cordons, increasing the pace of operations and reducing disruption to the public.
It is hoped that the innovations will transform EOD operations by minimising the human exposure to danger, improving operational efficiency and maintaining public safety.
Dstl will use feedback from bomb disposal experts who took part in the trial to continue to develop and enhance technology that provides increased security.
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.
"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."
Prof Andy Bell, chief science and technology Officer at Dstl 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."
