iRobot [IRBT] and QinetiQ North America have sent some of their robots–similar to those used by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan–to Japan to aid in its natural disaster recovery efforts. Talon and Dragon Runner robots similar to those used by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are among the robotic efforts that QinetiQ North America is staging in Japan to aid in its natural disaster recovery efforts.
iRobot sent four robots–two iRobot 510 PackBots and two iRobot 710 Warriors to Japan early last week, along with six iRobot employees to train Japanese authorities on how to use the robots, a company spokesman said.
At this time, training has been completed, and these robots have been provided to Japanese authorities to use in areas around the plant, a company spokesman said.
The PackBot carries a HazMat sensor that can detect chemical, biological and radiation. The Warrior robot has been outfitted with the ability to carry a hose if that is needed. Both PackBot and Warrior were also outfitted with fiber optic spoolers to provide the operators with another means of communications in addition to radio.
The robots from both companies give operators situational awareness in dangerous environments as they do for the military in the IED environment. Robots can carry a variety of payloads to include cameras and sensors, and the information can be sent back to an operator who can remain at a safe standoff distance.
Japan accepted QinetiQ North America’s offer to provide Talon and Dragon Runner unmanned vehicle equipment and training. The company’s technology and services will allow Japan’s response teams to accomplish critical and complex recovery tasks at a safer distance from hazardous debris and other dangerous conditions.
The company is staging a limited number of systems and appliqu? kits to start, and more could be sent if needed, a company spokeswoman said.
Talon robots have previously withstood rigorous deployment and twice daily decontamination at Ground Zero, the company said. The Talon robots are equipped with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive detection kits that can identify more than 7,500 environmental hazards including toxic industrial chemicals, volatile gases, radiation and explosive risks, as well as temperature and air quality indicators. Talon robots provide night vision and sound and sensing capabilities from up to 1,000 meters away.
The lightweight Dragon Runner robots, designed for use in small spaces, will be available for investigating rubble piles, trenches, culverts and tunnels. Thermal cameras and sound sensors on the Dragon Runners can provide data from up to 800 meters away, permitting the robot’s eyes and ears to serve in spaces too small or dangerous for human access.
QinetiQ North America also is staging Robotic Appliqu? Kits, which turn Bobcat loaders into unmanned vehicles in just 15 minutes. The kits permit remote operation of all 70 Bobcat vehicle attachments, such as shovels, buckets, grapples, tree cutters and tools to break through walls and doors. The unmanned Bobcat loaders include seven cameras, night vision, thermal imagers, microphones, two-way radio systems and radiation sensors, and can be operated from more than a mile away to safely remove rubble and debris, dig up buried objects and carry smaller equipment.