UK’s Ministry of Defense Tests Robodogs for Bomb Disposal

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If you spent at least a few hours on social media in the past several years, you saw a Boston Dynamics robodog. With a movement that mimics or even surpasses that of a dog, these four-legged robots naturally instill fear and confusion in viewers. But don’t let your “Terminator” nightmares cloud your judgment, as the future of these robodogs is much less sinister. 

In fact, they can be used in situations where human life is usually at stake, like bomb disposal. The UK Ministry of Defense already works on bomb-disposing robodogs, which, from what we can see in the images, probably come from Boston Dynamics. Regardless, these robots are to be used for bomb detection and defussal, without sacrificing a human life.

The Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has conducted life trials to show the abilities of its new technology. The laboratory collaborated with British and international industry, L3Harris, Marlborough Communications Ltd, and AeroVironment (Tomahawk Robotics).

The robodogs were asked to perform various tasks during the trials, like opening and closing doors and climbing stairs. Over four days, the team conducted remote classification and identification of threats using sensors on the robodogs, aided by AI-driven drones. This is a crucial step, as it allows for greater accuracy, without any human intervention. Not only that but drones can be used to find civilians. Furthermore, the robodogs were trained to inspect the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and defuse them using firing disruptors.

As such, these robodogs could render bomb disposal operators obsolete and save their lives. In addition, drones could help create safety cordons more quickly and efficiently, guiding more people to safety. According to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), the new technology can greatly improve operational efficiency and maintain public safety.

“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,” said Chief Science and Technology Officer, Dstl, Prof Andy Bell.

Ashton Henning