QinetiQ’s Dragon Runner is the latest addition to its Talon series of robots.

QinetiQ North America has unveiled the latest and smallest addition to its Talon series of robots, the Dragon Runner SUGV.

The device is the first fully modular ground robot system developed for quick reconnaissance and improvised explosive device disarmament in urban, mountainous or rural environments.

Based on a robot originally created for the US Marine Corps, Dragon Runner has been designed to be lightweight so that it can be used in a variety of critical missions.

Operations will include reconnaissance, perimeter security, checkpoint security, in-vehicle and under-vehicle inspections, and hostage barricade reconnaissance and negotiation.

Dr. William Ribich, President of the Technology Solutions Group, QinetiQ North America, said: “We listened closely to our military customers’ needs, and Dragon Runner SUGV is the result. We’ve created a lightweight, modular robot that can climb stairs, open doors, provide critical reconnaissance information and disarm IEDs – all while protecting our troops, who control the robot from a safe distance.”

QinetiQ’s Talon robots have been in operation since 2000, with over 2,000 fielded worldwide by the US military.

In Dragon Runner, troops have the added benefit of a robot that can add tracks for maximum mobility and a manipulator arm with rotating shoulder, wrist and grippers for dexterity.

It also offers day and night pan/tilt/zoom cameras, motion detectors and a listening capability for advanced situational awareness; as well as field-changeable frequency capabilities, using analogue or digital radio options, to improve flexibility and range.

For more information on QinetiQ and its Talon series of robots, visit: www.qinetiq.com

By Natasha Piscitelli