Delhi Police to get mini robot to tackle terror threat

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the Delhi Police is set to buy a mini remote-operating vehicle (MROV) that can detect and defuse bombs and explosives, an official said Thursday.

Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said: ‘We had a technical evaluation of the MROV (Wednesday). This is the first step in the procurement process.

‘Bidding for the price is yet to be done. We are hoping to get it before the Commonwealth Games,’ he added.

Manufactured in Canada, the primary function of the MROV is to detect and disarm hidden bombs and explosives. The robot, which weighs 65 kg, can be controlled by a remote within a radius of 500 metres. It can drag weights of up to 113 kg.

The MROV has arms and shoulders and also four night-vision cameras. It is weather-proof but not fire resistant.

It can operate underwater and over rough terrain, moving at a maximum speed of 8 kmph and a minimum of speed of 3 kmph.

Joint Commissioner (north) Karnal Singh said: ‘Although the device is designed in Canada, it is suitable in the Indian scenario, particularly in the national capital where it will be able to help in bomb scare situations.’