Robots to the Rescue
Small robots have been used for military purposes dating back to World War II and the Cold War in the form of the German Goliath tracked mines and the Soviet teletanks. Now, small robots are commonly used for surveillance, limited light-duty operational activities and even heavy-duty tasks in challenging environments. When it comes to working in highly hazardous environments such as nuclear, chemical, mining, demolition and tunneling, military operations turn to robots as a powerful, safe source to complete almost any job.
Brokk machines feature advanced wireless control that allows for very fine and precise control of the machines and attachments in delicate operations. They are ideal for performing dangerous missions such as improvised explosive device (IED) discovery and clearance, unexploded ordinance (UXO) recovery and disposal, landmine clearance, hazardous materials handling, structure breaching and demolition.
More than 6,000 Brokk machines have been deployed worldwide. Even in these heavy industrial applications, Brokk machines have a great record for equipment performance, reliability and safety. The electro-hydraulic and diesel-hydraulic machines deliver a level of power well beyond what smaller robots or humans can achieve. Even the smallest Brokk machine can lift more than 1,300 lbs, climb stairs, pass through regular doorways, use elevators, negotiate corridors and break through concrete, brick or steel barriers. The largest machines can lift more than 16,000 lbs.
Brokk’s most recent military deployment was a remotely operated diesel powered Brokk 330. Brokk customized the unit with attachments to support a NATO mine clearance program in Lebanon. NATO previously deployed similar units in Africa, Southeast Asia and in numerous Middle Eastern countries.
In addition, militaries have used Brokk machines to deploy technologies such as head aimed 3D vision systems, metal and chemical detection systems and long-range wireless communications systems. Brokk also has used crossover technologies like automated remote tool change and rugged vision systems for commercial and nuclear customers. These technologies offer many benefits for military IEDs, UXOs and clearance operations.
The company continues to expand its portfolio as more machines are deployed on new, increasingly challenging projects. Brokk currently has seven standard sizes of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and hundreds of standard and custom designed tools and attachments. In addition to the standard, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and military off-the-shelf (MOTS) products, Brokk custom engineers machines for mission-specific or custom-designed equipment and has developed many technology partnerships with key leading technology companies and suppliers.
