Posted on 03/17/2010 1:39:31 PM PDT by smokingfrog
A high tech bomb disposal robot that fits into a back pack has been unveiled by the Ministry of Defence today.
The Dragon Runner device will help soldiers to find and deactivate dangerous explosives on the front line. Its capabilities were demonstrated by members of the Royal Logistics Corps today.
Measuring 9"x8"x3", the light-weight robot is reminiscent of the robots used in the Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker. It weighs 14lbs - the same as seven bags of sugar- and can move at speeds of up to 5mph.
The sophisticated robot is manoeuvred over tough terrain using an intuitive controller, not unlike to a games console. It can climb stairs and even open doors.
The dragon has four on board cameras that relay images back to the operator via the hand held controller. Each shot can be viewed on screen separately or all four at once in a grid.
It is fitted with a manipulator arm that can dig around suspicious objects and lift items that weigh up to 10lb. It can also place small charges that work to disrupt suspect devices.
Around 100 of the multi-terrain robots have been built under a £12m contract with QinetiQ UK.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Because you never know when the time will be right...
Them be small bags.
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