UK tests robot for chemical reconnaissance
The fully autonomous Merlin UGV was developed to detect and report chemical agents over large areas in order to protect ground troops and help them to deal with hazardous scenarios. It was successfully tested by the UK MoD.
The UK MoD is keen to extend the capabilities of ground robotic technologies for CBRN missions, as it explores use cases for the best way to protect ground troops in hazardous operating environments.
To that end, the MoD has been working with HORIBA MIRA to develop fully autonomous technology to detect and report chemical agents over large areas.
This technology, embodied in the Merlin Robot, was successfully tested at RAF Honington.
On 14 January, the MoD Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) released pictures and video footage of the trial, which involved the Merlin prototype and specialist counter-CBRN operators from
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Raytheon and Diehl Defence sign deal to co-produce Stinger missiles in Europe]()
Raytheon and Diehl Defence sign deal to co-produce Stinger missiles in Europe
An agreement has been signed that will extend Stinger missile system production to Europe with Diehl Defence currently looking at manufacturing locations.
-
![New version of Altay tank to be delivered “soon” with Turkish engine for later iterations]()
New version of Altay tank to be delivered “soon” with Turkish engine for later iterations
The first of the Altay T1 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) will have a South Korean power pack while later Atlay T2s will be fitted with the locally made BMC BATU engine.
-
![Lockheed Martin wins deals for missiles and systems worth $5 billion]()
Lockheed Martin wins deals for missiles and systems worth $5 billion
There continues to be an insatiable desire for air-defence and air-launched missiles and systems in the US and worldwide. Lockheed Martin’s latest deals reinforce the demand and highlight the supply chain challenge for manufacturing solid rocket motors.
-
![Bahrain approved for $500 million HIMARS order as production surges]()
Bahrain approved for $500 million HIMARS order as production surges
Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is being widely ordered and deployed. The company has been working to ramp up production while continuing work to design and produce more potent missiles.
-
![Kongsberg Defence Australia cashes in with government support for exports]()
Kongsberg Defence Australia cashes in with government support for exports
Kongsberg Defence Australia is building on the supply of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) systems to Australia to win exports with the support of the government through its Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise and Global Supply Chain Program.
-
![Mack Defense receives new contract as push to refresh trucks continues]()
Mack Defense receives new contract as push to refresh trucks continues
Mack Defense’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) builds on a commercial vehicle but comes off a dedicated production line. The deal follows previous orders, including orders for Oshkosh’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, along with other logistics and forward-deployed trucks worldwide.
