The Andrews Labor Government’s technology revolution for Victoria Police continues, with another two-new high-tech bomb response robots joining the front line.
Police Minister Lisa Neville today joined Victoria Police to unveil two new state-of-the-art robots that will assist police with surveillance, security and bomb-disposal operations.
The Telerob Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Observation Robot (TEODOR) is a large and versatile bomb response robot that is designed to replace people in potentially dangerous situations and to perform hazardous tasks for them.
Operated by remote control, the TEODOR can deploy a wide range of tools including drills, grinders and x-ray equipment.
The new robot recruit was put through its paces last week when it was used to investigate a suspicious package found on Russell Street, which caused parts of the CBD to be closed down. The package was eventually declared safe.
The medium robot, the TELEMAX, is designed to access public transport vehicles such as planes, trains, trams and buses. It can also carry a wide range of bomb response tools and equipment.
A third robot, the Dragon Runner (DR20) – a small, fast and agile robot – has been in operation since May last year.
The DR20 can access confined spaces and can be rapidly deployed to provide a faster assessment of suspicious packages, improvised explosive device or hazardous materials.
The new robots were funded as part of the Labor Government’s $596 million Public Safety Package announced as part of the Victorian Budget 2016/17.
The Labor Government’s record $2 billion investment is giving police the resources – including 3,135 new police – the powers, the technology and the laws they need to keep Victorians safe.
This investment has already delivered major improvements to police’s capability to target and respond to crime through the new 24-hour Monitoring and Assessment Centre, intelligence system, mobile technology, and soon-to-be deployed body-worn cameras.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“These new bomb response robots are more technologically advanced and will replace the aging robots to ensure police have the latest technology available to keep Victorians safe.”
“The robots will ensure the Bomb Response Unit has the best equipment and the flexibility to respond to security incidents and modern policing challenges.”
“These robots are just one part of our record investment to support our frontline squad officers and keep Victorians safe.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020