The Virginia State Police has adopted eight robots to remove bombs, thwart hostage-takers and provide critical surveillance data.

The Andros Mark V, and smaller units, called Andros F6A, from REMOTEC Inc. are all-terrain, multi-tracked robots that come with gripper arms, four TV cameras and two-way audio systems that allow operators to talk with a hostage-taker or barricaded gunman. They can climb 45-degree stairs and over obstacles up to 24-inches high.

Some models are even equipped with a remotely triggered shotgun that can fire 12-gauge shells or other projectiles.

Two weeks ago, one of the robots helped capture a murder suspect.

During a standoff with the man, the robot was sent into a home to search for the man without putting an officer in danger. The robot, equipped with cameras and a listening device, let police know the suspect was hiding in the attic. Police then used tear gas to force him out.

On Oct. 6, the robot was used to remove a suspicious package from a well-traveled area in Chesterfield County, it grabbed the package – on which the words “Watch me, I’ll go boom” were scrawled – and carried it where it could be safely examined.
There, the robot’s gripper arm was used to open the box, enabling police to remotely peer inside with one of the robot’s cameras.

Via BigBlog Robotics Officer.