Scientists create robot that can destroy underwater threats

By Dean Murray

The UK government has created a robot that can destroy underwater threats.

A dramatic trial of the bot shows it approaching and blasting a simulated target beneath the sea.

The robot would be able to do jobs that would normally put divers at risk and comes at a time when vital undersea cables and pipes are under threat from sabotage.

The Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) said: "An underwater robot could soon be saving lives at sea for the Royal Navy and prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines."

Dstl said they and industry partners have adapted a commercially available remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to deal with sabotage threats and clear legacy unexploded ordnance.

They have incorporated or developed a number of systems to enable the ROV to detect unexploded ordnance and remotely place explosive charges to enable safe neutralization.

Dstl explosives engineer John said: "This technology would be a valuable toolset for keeping our Armed Forces safe whilst providing the public with value for money.

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"This unique capability with its sensors, tools and cameras will give operators a real time ability to deal with these underwater hazards in a safe, effective and efficient way."

Dstl said the robot can operate at depths greater than divers can reach, and it can also work there safely for much longer.

The new technology and systems developed will work in partnership with other robots to scan the seabed for hazards and will be able to deal with them once one is spotted.

The robot can be launched from a ship or a shoreline and is operated remotely, feeding video and sonar images back to the operators.

They will then be able to remotely deal with underwater hazards in relative safety.

Dstl said the robot is not normally destroyed, which means it can be used multiple times to give "the public better value for money in addition to the economic benefits of partnering with industry."

Trials have taken place at Horsea Island in Portsmouth, Portland Harbour, South Wales and in Norway.

"Our specialists work closely with Royal Navy specialists to develop tactics and techniques as well as technology," Dstl add.