Where possible, these operations are handled with the use of remote-control robots, a practice that originated in Northern Ireland in 1972 and has since become common practice around the world. Of the thousands of EOD robots worldwide there are a growing number that are mechanically sound but have obsolete and unsupported electronics. As the cost of new platforms is extremely high, these older platforms survive only via cannibalisation of the remainder of the fleet. Keeping these vehicles operational is vital for keeping both the public and EOD operators safe.
Leveraging DCE’s extensive vehicle control and radio interfacing experience, MarionetteTM can be deployed as a replacement control system for these EOD robots, enabling the precise and reliable control necessary for these vehicles to approach, investigate, and to render safe any target device.
MarionetteTM interfaces to existing vehicle components and subassemblies, replacing the previous obsolete architecture. Its modular structure allows control over motor drives, manipulators, cameras, pan and tilt units, Lighting and radios, whilst enabling new features such as chemical, nuclear and biological sensors, additional cameras including thermal imaging and valuable operator feedback including audio and driver aids. The resulting platform has significantly upgraded performance while retaining use of existing mechanical spares and maintenance training.
