A (partially) autonomous bomb disposal robot with legs and a multifunctional arm protects human lives by going in where it is dangerous. ‘Spot’ explores, analyses, documents and defuses, making it a great support in life-threatening situations.
The dog-like Spot legged robot from Boston Dynamics is a powerful sensor platform that provides valuable insights into routine operations, site conditions and potentially dangerous situations. ELP – a system provider specialising in police and military bomb disposal services – is the exclusive technology partner of the US robotics company Boston Dynamics in the field of public safety in Europe. With the development of the ‘Spot X-DIS’ neutralisation tool – a disruptor for neutralising explosive objects – ELP has created an accessory that increases safety in potentially dangerous situations.
All components, from the laser targeting system to the ignition, are wirelessly connected and centrally controlled. A non-contact distance measurement system that displays the precise distance between the nozzle of the water jet gun and the object on a tablet for the operator enables precise work even in complex environments.
Enhanced possibilities with a multifunctional arm
The integrated arm has six degrees of freedom, can lift up to 11 kilograms and grind objects up to 25 kilograms. This makes it possible to carry out inspections or manipulations at both floor and head height. This expands the possibilities – from inspecting garbage cans to removing suspicious objects. ‘Although actively carrying a bomb away is rather unlikely in practice, it would be technically possible,’ explains Jürgen Hellwig-Meller, who is responsible for marketing and communication at ELP.
While conventional bomb disposal robots are usually based on tracks and require fully manual control, Spot offers an intelligent combination of autonomy, sensor technology and user-friendliness. ‘The robot independently recognises surfaces, reacts to slippery areas, moves safely up and down stairs, masters narrow passageways and can open doors independently. The operator only has to point it in the right direction – the system takes care of navigation, stabilisation and overcoming obstacles independently,’ says Alexander Maus, Head of Product Management. ’This autonomy not only reduces the cognitive load on the user, but also speeds up the entire operation.’
Another area of application: exploration
In addition to conventional defusing operations, ‘Spot’ is also used for exploration – for example, in unclear hazardous situations where human emergency services would previously have been exposed to great risks. The robot is also already being used in industry, where it carries out regular inspection tours in areas that are difficult to access or risky, detects anomalies and reports these to control stations. Its areas of application range from pipeline inspections and construction site documentation to monitoring tasks on power plant premises.
Extensions and additional products
In order to extend the operating time for very long deployments, ELP is already working on a range extender that will more than double the operating time and go into series production in the course of the year. The company is also considering additional devices, such as mobile X-ray machines, gas analysis systems or classic tools like wire cutters and glass breakers. In addition, the company is already working with partners on new solutions for disaster scenarios. At the Enrich robotics demonstration event in Austria at the beginning of July, the team will be taking part with the Spot robot and demonstrating the walking robot's capabilities in a simulated nuclear power plant accident.
Author: Sonja Buske
