China Unveils New EOD Robot

The People’s Liberation Army of China has officially presented the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot. The newly developed robot was unveiled at a test ground site in China. The Research Institute of Engineering Corps under the General Armaments Department (GAD) of the PLA developed the robot over a course eight years allowing the robot to provide assistance during dangerous EOD operations. The remotely controlled robot, during the testing, crossed grassland, climbed stairs and overcame obstacles in an EOD area on the test ground and transmitted real-time pictures, such as state and ambient media of unexploded ordnance, back to the rear control platform. Research Institute of Engineering Corps head Yang Jianhao said the EOD robot can change the shape of its tracks according to terrains and can move, not only on city streets, stairs and in alleys, but also across grassland and desert. "It can distinguish itself while performing diversified military tasks," Jianhao added. The robot can be configured to perform dual functions of observing beaten zone and removing unexploded ordnance. And features an EOD device and a detonating and wireless remote control initiating device. Capable of overcoming obstacles of a maximum of 30cm, the robot can wade across water of a maximum depth of 25cm at a speed of 60m/min and its mechanical hands can grasp a 5kg object and flexibly place a small-sized initiating device. The robot exhibits portability, flexibility, good controllability and wide applicability and is primarily designed to conduct EOD missions, such as mine detonating, live-ammunition exercise and anti-terrorism and anti-violence operations.