Assessment of man-portable robots for law enforcement agencies

Abstract

This project has involved testing a Packbot Scout within a SWAT-unit for five months. This was done to explore the tactical benefits of the system and to test the robot's technical performance with end users. Another objective was to compare earlier results -- obtained by investigating military during training -- with results from deployment during true risk. The SWAT-team, equipped with and trained to use the robot, set a standard to bring it with them on regular missions. Using the robot during negotiation proved to be the most beneficial application. Other uses would be for long-term surveillances and deploying non-lethal weapons. Early results indicate that the Stockholm SWAT-unit, consisting of 80 active officers, could deploy the robot at least 20 times a year.