Security robot that sniffs out radiation developed
Monday, 31 March 2008, 19:30 IST
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Sydney: Australian scientists have developed a prototype remote-controlled robotic vehicle that is capable of sniffing out radiation. The concept vehicle - known as RASP or the Remote Advanced Sensor Platform - has been developed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), according to a press release. RASP is small and light and can be operated from distances of up to 350 metres and can be deployed in almost any area or location, from aircraft to cargo containers. "For the first time, we will also be able to provide our national security agencies with the ability to remotely identify the nature of the radioactive sources," said Warren Snowdon, Australia's minister for defence science and personnel. "Emergency officers who detect the presence of radiation with their handheld instruments would be able to send in RASP and quickly discover if it has a half-life of several days or 50,000 years," he said. Describing RASP as a significant leap forward for Australia's defence and national security agencies, Snowdon said: "It will greatly enhance our ability to respond to radioactive incidents." RASP now awaits extensive mid-year scenario trials before it goes into production and deployment.
Source: IANS
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