A state-of-the-art Unexploded Ordnance Handling Robot (UXOR) is ready for technology transfer to private firms. This robot can handle and defuse unexploded ordnance (UXOs)-bombs, motors, and missiles up to 1,000 Kg remotely from a 1 Km Line Of Sight (LOS).
It is designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Research and Development Establishment (Engineers). The agency is offering three licences for production of the UXOR, which has already completed user trials with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
UXOR is based on an IC (internal combustion) engine and has a tracked Skid Steer Loader platform (like JCBs), good cross-country mobility with six hours of endurance. It can defuse UXO with low order detonation. The Robot is equipped with an abrasive water jet cutting machine for case entry/through a cut of UXOs. It is equipped with two manipulator arms, one for handling heavy bombs up to 1,000 Kg and the other with the cutting nozzle.
Sateesh Reddy, chairman, DRDO told TOI, “Both the Indian Army and the Air Force are interested in the project. We have issued an expression of interest (EoI) already.”
