Robotic dogs fitted with disruptor mechanisms have been showcasing their ability to destroy improvised explosive devices in trials.
In four days of tests, the mechanical canines fired high-energy projectiles and jets of fluid at bombs to either render them safe or destroy critical components before detonation.
This redcued the need for human technicians to get danger close.
Shown here is Boston Dynamics’ Spot the Dog, which was transformed into a mobile bomb disposal unit for the duration of the trial.
Scientists found it was able to move swiftly and accurately to place the disrupter at the ideal position, ensuring the threat was neutralised with precision.
The trials were conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) alongside industry partners to show what could be done to enhance the military’s explosive ordnance disposal capability.
Other innovations they looked at included drones equipped with AI to identify threats and monitor safety cordons, and robots that open and close doors, navigate stairs and inspect devices.
DSTL’S chief science and technology officer, Prof Andy Bell, explained: “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.”
