Robot to Help Police Department in Safe Disposal of Explosives

The Plano Police Department will be purchasing the Northrop Grumman Remotec F6B Robot for carrying out special operations in the Hazardous Devices Unit. The robot that can be stationed throughout North Texas will be purchased using funds received from federal sources.

Greg Rushin, Chief of Police, stated that the purchase was approved on Feburary 21, 2011 by the council after clarification. Rushin further added that the 2010 Homeland Security Grant Program approved this project and the Urban Area Security Initiative provided financial support for manufacturing the robot.

Rushin also stated that the Northrop Grumman Remotec F6B Robot can be operated using a wireless digital controller and will function in collaboration with an HD 1 Bomb Disposal Robot. The new robot will help the Plano Police Department to detect and safely dispose explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombers or other hazardous subtances. The robot may perform operations relating to HAZMAT (Hazardous materials and items) and large-scale weapons. The robot is equipped with cameras and audio systems to remotely detect suspects and carry out surveillance operations in hostage situations.

Source: http://www.plano.gov