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
DSEI 2025

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
ODU 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
DE&S takes ownership of new £98.5m warehouse facility

Defence

DE&S takes ownership of new £98.5m warehouse facility

29 April 2025

UK Armed Forces are better equipped for ever-evolving global security threats, as the construction of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) new state-of-the-art storage facility at Longtown in Cumbria is complete.

BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACV-30 FRP contract

Defence

BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACV-30 FRP contract

29 April 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $188.5 million full-rate production (FRP) contract from the US Marine Corps for 30 ACV-30mm vehicles, which includes fielding support, spares and test equipment.

MBDA invests in UK

Defence

MBDA invests in UK's Hydra Drones

29 April 2025

Hybrid Drones Ltd – producers of the hybrid Jet-Electric Hydra 400 uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) – has announced that MBDA is investing in its innovative technology.

Defence Innovation Loans open to UK SMEs

Defence

Defence Innovation Loans open to UK SMEs

29 April 2025

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) supported by Innovate UK Loans Ltd (Innovate UK) are working together to offer Defence Innovation Loans aimed at SMEs.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
Marshall wins Thales contract to produce Royal Navy sonar modules

Defence

Marshall wins Thales contract to produce Royal Navy sonar modules

28 April 2025

Marshall has received a long-term contract from Thales UK to manufacture, maintain and support key components of anti-submarine sonar arrays that provide a critical edge for the UK’s Royal Navy.

Navantia UK appoints Derek Jones as Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer

Defence

Navantia UK appoints Derek Jones as Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer

28 April 2025

Navantia UK has today announced the appointment of Derek Jones as Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025