Robots lead the way for safer roads

Courtesy Photo | These robots are constantly being tested and modified to conduct their jobs as effeciently as possible. These robots can have up to six cameras on them and are expected to be agile enough to get into small places.  

01.09.2006

Courtesy Story

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U.S. Army Pfc. Mark B. Matthews
27th Public Affairs Detachment

Technology has come a long way in the past decade. Although it may be a few years before Johnny 5 can be found on the shelves of electronic stores, robots are used on a daily basis in medical research and automobile manufacturing. However, service members in Iraq see them as vital tools in force protection.

Employees of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command build and maintain a variety of robots used to detect, disarm and dispose of improvised explosive devices on the roads of Iraq.

"We provide the ground support for the robotics community in theater, particularly the IED task force," said Paul Varian, logistics assistance representative for AMCOM. "All of their logistics, training, supply and repairs come out of this facility."

The robots are very useful and have a wide variety of tools to help service members efficiently and safely dispose of dangerous materials.

"The biggest benefit these robots give is that they can be the eyes, ears and in the case of one robot even the nose, forward of the Soldier," said Varian. "The robots are able to get out there and be in harm's way so the service member doesn't have to."

The robots have a very dangerous job and not all come back in one piece, but according to the people who work on the robots, that is a good thing.

"We have had a fair number of robots that have been either damaged or destroyed as result of them doing their job," Varian said. "So if a robot is damaged or destroyed that means a service member is not and that is always a good thing."

The service members that actually use the robots in the field seem to enjoy having the robots do the dirty work.

"These robots are very effective," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Schilhabel, team leader 447th Explosive Ordinance Disposal. "It just makes it a lot easier and safer so that we are not actually out there doing the hands stuff. We are using a robot."

Although the robots are very small they are built to take a licking and keep on ticking.

"These robots are pretty tough. Some of these robots will take a significant beating throughout the day," Varian said. "Several of them have taken on some pretty serious explosions. They come back, we put a new camera and arm on them and we send them right back out."

As the roads in Iraq continue to improve the robots, employees of AMCOM and the service members tasked in operating the robots will continue to do their job and bring about safer roads for the Iraqi people.

• Date Taken: 01.09.2006
• Date Posted: 01.09.2006 12:12
• Story ID: 5028