Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence Security

Dstl trials bomb disposal robots

Robot dogs that can defuse explosives are set to revolutionise bomb disposal operations and significantly reduce the risk to military personnel, whether operating in the UK or overseas.

Image courtesy MoD

A new live trial led by Ministry of Defence scientists has seen advanced robotic systems, including robot dogs, successfully detecting and defusing bomb threats.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) trials took place over four days and included:   

  • Remote classification and identification of threats using sensors on robots  
  • Defusing of bombs from a robot dog
  • Drones with AI autonomous threat and people detection
  • Robots conducting tasks such as opening doors and climbing stairs 

The trial supports key components of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security whilst rapidly advancing new technologies and showing defence as an engine for growth.  

Advertisement
Teledyne

Dstl worked alongside British and international industry, L3Harris, Marlborough Communications Ltd and AeroVironment (Tomahawk Robotics) on the trials which showed that they could enhance Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capability by:  

  • Reducing the need to put a bomb disposal operator in harm’s way by increasing the number of tasks that robots can perform remotely;  
  • Improving the effectiveness of robots, reducing the burden to the operator, allowing delicate and precision movements to be completed reliably;
  • Using drones equipped with AI to identify threats and monitor safety cordons, increasing the pace of operations and reducing disruption to the public.  

The trials involved a series of scenarios, where the robot was asked to perform various tasks including opening and closing doors autonomously, navigating stairs, inspecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and consequently firing disruptors at the IEDs to render them safe.

These innovations will transform EOD operations by minimising the human exposure to danger, improving operational efficiency and maintaining public safety.  

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said: "This advanced technology demonstrates our commitment to protecting the military personnel who keep our nation safe, at home and abroad.   

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

"By working with industry and combining cutting-edge robotics with existing expertise, we’re ensuring our bomb disposal teams have the best possible tools to carry out their vital work safely and effectively.

"These advancements help the government deliver our Plan for Change and ensure defence is an engine for growth – protecting our national security while supporting rapidly evolving technologies."

Bomb disposal operators praised the technology demonstrated in the trial and provided beneficial feedback to shape the next phase of Dstl investment in robotics for the bomb disposal community. Dstl will use this feedback to continue to develop and enhance technology that provides increased security for the nation.  

Chief Science and Technology Officer, Dstl, Prof Andy Bell, said: "This is a great example of how Defence can achieve an advantage through the exploitation of technology, fusing together military and commercial systems to keep our people and country safe from deadly threats.

"Working in partnership with industry and academia, Dstl is delivering mission success through science and technology advantage."

Dr Paul Bosscher, Advanced Concept Engineer at L3Harris, said: “The demo provided the ideal platform for us to gain some valuable feedback on the dual-arm system from MoD operators who expect to use it during real-life EOD missions.

“It also opened up interesting discussions about the potential applications of the capability beyond EOD, with specialists from other fields such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives detection exploring how the capability might benefit their work.”

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Welsh employers recognised with Defence ERS Silver Award

Defence Events

Welsh employers recognised with Defence ERS Silver Award

25 July 2025

Seventeen of Wales’ forces-friendly employers have been recognised with the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed Chief of The Air Staff

Defence

Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed Chief of The Air Staff

25 July 2025

Air Marshal Harv Smyth CB OBE DFC MA RAF is to be appointed as Chief of the Air Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of Air Chief Marshal

Royal Navy trials submarine launch of autonomous vehicles

Defence

Royal Navy trials submarine launch of autonomous vehicles

25 July 2025

The Royal Navy has been undertaking ground-breaking trials to demonstrate the launch and recovery of uncrewed underwater vehicles from submarines, delivered by the Submarine Delivery Agency’s Autonomy Unit in partnership with L3Harris.

Over 200 employers recognised with Gold Defence ERS Award

Defence

Over 200 employers recognised with Gold Defence ERS Award

25 July 2025

Employers from several industries have been recognised for their exceptional support to the UK armed forces community with the Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Denmark buys four GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardians

Defence

Denmark buys four GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardians

25 July 2025

Denmark and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have announced the procurement of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

UK signs trade deal with India

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK signs trade deal with India

24 July 2025

Today, the Prime Minister has welcomed nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins, set to create over 2,200 British jobs across the country as Indian firms expand their operations in the UK and British companies secure new business opportunities in India, following the signing of an historic UK-India trade deal.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025