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This tech would enable military personnel to look inside containers, including cars and walls, for hidden weapons or explosives without being near the threat.

A pioneering X-ray robot designed to detect weapons and explosives is a step closer to saving lives on the battlefield.

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) experts have run field trials on a Rapiscan American Science and Engineering produced prototype that uses X-Ray Backscatter (XRBS) imaging technology mounted on a L3Harris T7 remote-controlled robot.

This would save lives by enabling military personnel to look inside containers - including cars and walls - for hidden weapons or explosive material without being near the potential threat.

X-ray robot could save lives on the battlefield

Operators would also be able to scan large areas quicker leading to increased situational awareness giving troops an operational advantage.

Trial Manager Elaine said:

X-ray Backscatter is an established technology but what we are trying to do is apply it to explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) – this approach is novel.

Being able to robotically mount X-ray Backscatter provides additional situational awareness, potentially to see if there is a threat item without having to go anywhere near it. It feels amazing to be involved in a project that could go on to save lives.

She added that it was extremely rewarding from joining as a graduate to demonstrating this capability in her first role as trial manager.

Operator demonstrates the capabilities of X-ray robot

The project is a collaboration with the US government and two prototypes have been created.

After the successful field tests the project team will be using the feedback to assess what modifications would be needed to turn this prototype into a military asset that could be used on the battlefield.

Physics graduate Lyndsey:

It’s incredible to be working on such ground-breaking technology.

The reason I did physics was because I wanted to make a difference in the world and I really wanted to help people.

I feel like this project does this. I love it. It’s a great day’s work. It definitely is a really cool project to work on.

X-ray robot with Backscatter technology

The team have been demonstrating the capability to UK and US stakeholders using simulated explosive and non-conventional threats as well as various firearms.

They showed the prototype detecting threats through bags, plastic drums and metal lockers in addition to a car and a variety of wall materials.

The prototype imager head is mounted on the robot arm and is operated via a haptic controller.   Combining the X-ray Backscatter system with the EOD robot has allowed demonstration of remote deployment of the capability across multiple terrains.

The Backscatter technology forms the image by sweeping a small ‘pencil beam’ of X-rays across the target and detecting those reflected back using detectors mounted on the front of the imager.

X-ray robot examines the contains of a drum

The image is transmitted back to the operator in real-time for analysis.

Senior Principal Scientist Andrew said:

The feedback we’ve had from our stakeholders who have come to see the system up here has been very positive, better than I could have hoped for really.

I’ve been jotting things down – some direct quotes to use – and I think my favourite so far has been ‘I want one!’

When they say something like that you know you’ve delivered something that has piqued their interest.