Meet the newest member of the team - Talon

Photo By Giancarlo Casem | A Talon robot moves closer to inspect a suspected improvised explosive device at a refresher training exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, on May 27. Robots such as Talon, have been credited with saving lives and time in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.  

KUWAIT

05.27.2008

Story by Sgt. Giancarlo Casem 

50th Public Affairs Detachment

By Giancarlo Casem
50th Public Affairs Detachment

In recent history there have been famous robots accomplishing amazing feats – the twin Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, their older sister Sojourner, and of course, R2-D2. But there's a new robot in town, a vital member to any route clearance team, Talon.

"The robots have been a huge help and great advancement with the improvised explosive device (IED) reduction," said 1st Lt. David Vasquez, 370th Sapper Company, 54th Engineer Battalion, a native of Little Rock, Ark. "I'm glad we have them."

Talon serves as an important teammate, ensuring that Soldiers stay alive. Route clearance is a dangerous job for Soldiers, and robots like Talon help ensure Soldiers can dispose of IEDs from a safe distance.

"They are critical to our mission. Without them it would be almost impossible to accomplish the mission without putting troops on the ground," Vasquez said.

Due to a heavy workload, it may take Explosive Ordnance Disposal team hours to respond to a possible IED. This is where Talon comes in. When a route clearance team comes across a possible IED, it is imperative that the object is quickly investigated, identified and, if required, disposed.

A route clearance team will deploy Talon and maneuver it closer to the suspected IED. From the safety of their vehicle, combat engineers can "interrogate" the device. Using Talon's multiple cameras, the Soldiers can identify tell-tale signs of the IED. They can spot trigger mechanisms, fuses and explosive material.

Once the assessment determines that the device is indeed an IED, the engineers start the next phase of their mission.

Talon is then recalled and armed with a block of explosive clay with a wiring fuse. It is then sent out once more to place the explosive next to the IED.

"It's definitely valuable. Without the robot you're really stuck," said Sgt. Matthew Seymour, 479th Eng. Bn., a native of Potsdam, New York. "You need the robot to get down there and look at the IED and place the charge. Anything we can do with the robot allows us to stay within the relative protection of the vehicle."

Using its on-board visual system, the operator can determine where to best place the explosive. After the explosive is set, Talon places the explosive near the target using its robotic arm.

Once Talon is safely out of the IED's blast area, the order is given.

"Fire in the hole, fire in the hole, fire in the hole!"

After the IED is disposed, Talon's mission is done. It is redeployed back into the vehicle. The route clearance team's mission is accomplished.

The engineer Soldiers said their mission of disposing of IEDs may be new, but with the addition of Talon, they have been able to adapt and accomplish their tasks.

"I didn't personally expect to work with robots but we adjusted fairly quickly," Seymour said. "Its good fun, it certainly beats walking around out there with explosives in your hand. We're saving lives and making a difference in terms of mobility."

Robots are proving themselves to be valuable members of the Army team. Although the robots used today may not be as complicated or advanced as those depicted in movies or used by NASA, science fact is catching up with science fiction. From unmanned aerial vehicles to route clearance, robots work hand-in-hand with Soldiers to accomplish the mission.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2008
• Date Posted: 06.05.2008 09:56
• Story ID: 20135
• Location: KW