Soldiers Receive Robotic Training to Carry Out Safe Military Operations

To achieve a better understanding of the functions performed by robots that are deployed on the battlefield, Lt. Col. Michael McLean, 479th Field Artillery Brigade safety officer, had arranged a site visit for the soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery at the Joint Robotics Training Facility. Pat Stockwell, a Fort Hood JRTF operator, delivered the instructions to the soldiers.

The soldiers were informed that their equipment is capable of conducting counter-improvised explosive device lanes training. During the training, the operators remain at a safe distance while the robots are trained to use, disarm, and detonate IEDs. These robotic systems are capable of performing surveillance monitoring, and C-IED/counter-explosive capabilities. Robots are also equipped to protect themselves from danger by carrying out offensive operations and by learning to be aware of their surroundings.

Operators use video game console controllers to train a few robots. The soldiers received hands-on training programs for operating various types of robots. Stockwell said that with the implementation of such strong and reliable, military-grade robots, soldiers can carry out operations from a safe distance. He added that robotics has played a vital role in lowering the number of causalities.

McLean declared that he anticipates the setting up of several training programs for the other battalions with the robots. McLean further added that the robotics lab presentation helps the soldiers deployed down range to gain information about the functioning of the robots.