L3Harris bomb-dispensing robots: The parent firm of Tewkesbury-based L3Harris TRL Technology, L3Harris Technologies, has received an order for a fleet of robots capable of dispensing bombs from the UK Ministry of Defence.
These new robots will improve the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities of the UK military by enabling operators to safely access and reduce explosive risks in constrained urban environments. They are agile, versatile, and skilled at dealing with threats in built-up spaces.
The Ministry of Defence awarded a 21-million-pound ($26 million) contract to L3Harris, which includes in-country support, maintenance, and training, for up to 50 of the medium-sized robots.
L3Harris bomb-dispensing robots
As per Soglos, this new contract comes after L3Harris’s Project STARTER program was completed. Under this initiative, 122 T7TM robots, which have been fully operational since 2019, replaced the Ministry of Defense’s old fleet of big EOD robots.
The new fleet of T4 robots, which will enhance the British Army’s EOD capabilities even further, will provide many of the same features as the T7s in a smaller type that is more suited to handling threats in confined urban areas.
Because they are so flexible and accurate, the robots are like people. They also have cutting-edge haptick feedback technology that lets people feel exactly what the robot arm can feel.
Director General Land for Defense, Equipment, and Support Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton stated:
‘Like the T7, the T4 robots will play an integral role in enhancing the EOD capabilities leveraged by the British Army.
‘Critical to the MOD’s land modernisation ambitions is the prioritisation of agile, modular and highly capable technology built to tackle the demands of the future threat environment. The versatile T4 is a significant step forward in achieving this.’
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According to Gov.UK, Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said “Procuring this high tech robot means that we can provide our forces with the tools they need to safely handle a range explosive threats. Rapidly delivering uncrewed systems, like the T4, that ensure our armed forces can safely face future threats is a key part of our Drone defense Strategy”
