ReconRobotics recently declared that the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) has received 13 Recon Scout XT micro-robot kits. Following the procurement of these kits, MWCOG has distributed them to pre-designated Type 1 tactical teams across Washington DC.
Thirteen Recon Scout XT micro-robot kits are being distributed to tactical teams in the Washington, DC area for use in high-risk operations. (Photo: ReconRobotics)
After receiving grant funds from the Urban Areas Security Initiative last year, MWCOG has been able to purchase the tactical reconnaissance robots. At times of high-risk tactical and counterterrorism operations, throwable micro-robot systems will be deployed by the teams belonging to area tactical and special operations. These innovative, ultra-quiet robot systems will provide greater standoff distance and enhanced situational awareness. Law enforcement agencies such as Arlington County Police Department, DC Metropolitan Police Department, Metro Washington Airport Authority, Fairfax County Police Department, Maryland State Police, Prince William County Police Department, Virginia State Police; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Police Department, Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George's County Police Department, Alexandria Police Department, and Metro Transit Police Department have already been deploying the robots for training operations.
Recon Scout XT micro-robot weighs only 1.2-lb and is effective for high-risk operations such as surveillance, narcotics raids, barricaded subjects, and hostage situations and also ensures increased situational awareness and standoff distance to tactical operators. The XT can move towards a distance of 120 ft and has clear vision in complete darkness. It enables operators to direct the robot to navigate through an environment and also in the transmission of video reconnaissance to a handheld operator control unit, across walls and doors. The location of armed subjects can therefore be detected, including the condition of layout of rooms and hostages, which are major factors for planning and achieving the tactical operation.