Cheaper bomb disposal robots developed by KMUTNB

[webfact]

EDU Update
Cheaper bomb disposal robots developed by KMUTNB
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Cheaper domestically developed bomb defusing and disposal robots are set to be used by the Explosives Ordnance Disposal unit in the strife-torn far South thanks to a development project by King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok.

Apart from an unspecified lower price for the prototype robots, compared to the Bt12 million apiece for the imported variety, the robots are also customised to suit the unique combat conditions, environment and user interface in the southernmost provinces, said Asst Prof Pumyos Vallikul, an engineering and aerospace lecturer at the university.

Along with the cost, Pumyos said another drawback from using the imported robots was the fact the manufacturers had forbidden modifications being made.

Prof Dr Suthipun Jitpimolmard, the director of the Thailand Research Fund, which backed the three-year-old Bt4.36-million project, said a mechanism had been invented which was incorporated into the robots as a by-product.

Suthipun said the mechanism had been registered as intellectual property and had the potential to be developed further into a system that could be commercialised.

There are three robots. The first has a track-driven body and an arm with a plier-like hand that can hold bombs and move them away for disposal.

The second robot has a track-driven body, a mechanical arm and a high-power water jet used to blow open suspicious items or destroy or make bomb circuits malfunction.

The third robot has a high-mobility body and a high-resolution camera to probe or explode bombs.

Suthipun said the project had reduced the dependence on imported parts for the imported robots' basic maintenance while making self-reliance a possibility.

Pumyos said the robots worked as a team to minimise the chance of them being destroyed by a bomb.

The university recently handed over the three prototypes to the Royal Thai Army's Ordnance Department so it could test them out.

Pumyos said the development of the robots was based on the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit's in-the-field methods.

For example, a high-powered water jet is installed near a suspicious object by an EOD officer. Robot type three would then be used to identify the object. If it is a bomb, robot type two would defuse it by attacking its circuits with the high-power water jet.

If it needs to be placed elsewhere before being defused, robot type one is used.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Cheaper-bomb-disposal-robots-developed-by-KMUTNB-30242217.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-01

[WitawatWatawit]

Now all they need to do is invent a bomb detector and a cell phone blocker and they're ready to go.

[NongKhaiKid]

Do they also make the boss' tea ?

let's hope the old phrase ' cheap and nasty ' doesn't apply as lives are at stake.

[Robby nz]

Here we have something that has been developed that not only can save lives and money but has export potential as well and the knockers are in for their chop.

Good on the Prof and his team, there is great potential in this country, all it needs are leaders to bring out that potential and let it flourish.

Education reform.

[siampolee]

Along with the cost, Pumyos said another drawback from using the imported robots was the fact the manufacturers had forbidden modifications being made.

Would that be a euphemism for ''copy'' one wonders?

With all the experience the other robot makers have of assorted conditions and terrain operating conditions in general around the less peaceful parts of our world there in reality would be no need of ''modifications"

Edited September 1, 2014 by siampolee

[Robby nz]

Along with the cost, Pumyos said another drawback from using the imported robots was the fact the manufacturers had forbidden modifications being made.

Would that be a euphemism for ''copy'' one wonders?

With all the experience the other robot makers have of assorted conditions and terrain operating conditions in general around the less peaceful parts of our world there in reality would be no need of ''modifications"

What it means mate is that they have looked at what already exists and seen that there is a way to improve it.

Not being allowed to alter the existing, they have got their heads together and built their own model incorporating the improvements.

New models of almost everything come out every year, why shouldn't there be potential for technological improvements in these robots as well ?

[siampolee]

Robby NZ post # 6

What it means mate is that they have looked at what already exists and seen that there is a way to improve it.

Not being allowed to alter the existing, they have got their heads together and built their own model incorporating the improvements.

New models of almost everything come out every year, why shouldn't there be potential for technological improvements in these robots as well ?

I'll not dispute that statement.

However we are well aware that the Thais are great imitators as opposed to innovators and capable of turning a first rate product into a tacky third rate reproduction as has been proved many times.

[bluebluewater]

l'm still fuzzy as to what this "mechanism" is that makes these 'bots even more unique.

What in the world have these geniuses at the University come up with that the rest of the world does not know about?

Do tell . . . .

[NongKhaiKid]

Along with the cost, Pumyos said another drawback from using the imported robots was the fact the manufacturers had forbidden modifications being made.

Would that be a euphemism for ''copy'' one wonders?

With all the experience the other robot makers have of assorted conditions and terrain operating conditions in general around the less peaceful parts of our world there in reality would be no need of ''modifications"

What it means mate is that they have looked at what already exists and seen that there is a way to improve it.

Not being allowed to alter the existing, they have got their heads together and built their own model incorporating the improvements.

New models of almost everything come out every year, why shouldn't there be potential for technological improvements in these robots as well ?

Not being allowed to modify is quite common in many products as unauthorised modifications can cancel any warranty and protects the manufacturer from ' your fault ' complaints and spurious lawsuits.

[BSJ]

What they need is a powerful mobile phone detector for patrols to carry to detect concealed phone users waiting to explode an IED as the patrol passes. One that can be carried by foot patrols and vehicle patrols.

[Poppy Dave]

l'm still fuzzy as to what this "mechanism" is that makes these 'bots even more unique.

What in the world have these geniuses at the University come up with that the rest of the world does not know about?

Do tell . . . .

What, you want them to tell the world what this 'mechanism' is so that future cowards bomb makers are forewarned and they can then manufacture their evil device so that it bypasses, negates, defeats this 'mechanism' ? Wake up!

If you were on a training exercise, would you take the enemy with you to see how you do things? The less everybody, apart from the people that matter, know about this 'mechanism' the better.

Edited September 1, 2014 by Poppy Dave

[halloween]

What they need is a powerful mobile phone detector for patrols to carry to detect concealed phone users waiting to explode an IED as the patrol passes. One that can be carried by foot patrols and vehicle patrols.

Given the mobile phone usage prevalence in Thailand, would this be practical? Perhaps if ALL mobile phones in an area were pulsed for a few millseconds at random intervals, phone initiated bombs could be detonated (very) prematurely, which would also greatly increase the risk for those setting them.

[sfbandung]

It seem to me that you have a big problem when you have a requirement for so many bomb disposal robots that unit cost becomes an issue.

[Robby nz]

Robby NZ post # 6

What it means mate is that they have looked at what already exists and seen that there is a way to improve it.

Not being allowed to alter the existing, they have got their heads together and built their own model incorporating the improvements.

New models of almost everything come out every year, why shouldn't there be potential for technological improvements in these robots as well ?

I'll not dispute that statement.

However we are well aware that the Thais are great imitators as opposed to innovators and capable of turning a first rate product into a tacky third rate reproduction as has been proved many times.

Prof Dr Suthipun Jitpimolmard, the director of the Thailand Research Fund, which backed the three-year-old Bt4.36-million project, said a mechanism had been invented which was incorporated into the robots as a by-product.

Suthipun said the mechanism had been registered as intellectual property and had the potential to be developed further into a system that could be commercialised.

Sounds like innovation don't you think ?

[halloween]

It seem to me that you have a big problem when you have a requirement for so many bomb disposal robots that unit cost becomes an issue.

As an aid to understanding, apply for a generous life insurance policy and list your occupation as bomb disposal.

[Estrada]

Looks like a copy of the robots used by the British Army in Afghanistan. Those cost B6million each, so if they were going to import them at B12 million each, where was the extra B6miilion going to go? I also will be interested to know how much the Thai version of the robots will cost, somehow I think a lot more than B6million each the British Army paid.

[belg]

could have saved a lot of money and send one of those hammer inspectors ... thing thing thing ... booooooooooooooooooooooooooom

hope it works better than the GT-200

[billd766]

Looks like a copy of the robots used by the British Army in Afghanistan. Those cost B6million each, so if they were going to import them at B12 million each, where was the extra B6miilion going to go? I also will be interested to know how much the Thai version of the robots will cost, somehow I think a lot more than B6million each the British Army paid.

Do you have any other information or a link to this?

[MediaWatcher]

Robby nz, on 01 Sept 2014 - 08:02, said:

Here we have something that has been developed that not only can save lives and money but has export potential as well and the knockers are in for their chop.

Good on the Prof and his team, there is great potential in this country, all it needs are leaders to bring out that potential and let it flourish.

Education reform.

before calling people "knockers" it would be best to wait and see these robots in action. My first query would be, are these robots sent in separately or as a team of three, if the "bomb" explodes do they lose one or three. And what "testing" have they been put through to make them "superior" to the imported models. I find it hard to believe that the imported models could not achieve the same results, in the south, whatever that means and what is this secret "by product," until shown then it is only words. Until exposed to scrutiny I put it in the same basket as EM balls.

[rickirs]

So KMUTNB spends Bt4.36 million over three years to design and produce a prototype bomb detection and removal robot. And claims it to be cheaper by some "unspecified amount" compared to the Bt12 million apiece for the imported variety.

Yet a cursory check with US military sources shows that comparable robots currently being used in Afghanistan such as the back-packable MMP-30 tracked bomb-disposal robot made by The Machine Lab costs $4,325 USD or about Bt138,000 each.

Hopefully, the Thai military will be diligent in its procurement of such robotic devices so as not to waste Thai taxpayer funds and not simply rush to sole source and purchase "Made in Thailand" for the sake of national pride.

[h90]

Here we have something that has been developed that not only can save lives and money but has export potential as well and the knockers are in for their chop.

Good on the Prof and his team, there is great potential in this country, all it needs are leaders to bring out that potential and let it flourish.

Education reform.

Well export potential?

Well done, but a remote controlled car isn't something other countries can't build on their own.

[2fishin2]

Yep another D Grade copy of someone else design. With a life expectancy of 5 minutes.

[fab4]

So KMUTNB spends Bt4.36 million over three years to design and produce a prototype bomb detection and removal robot. And claims it to be cheaper by some "unspecified amount" compared to the Bt12 million apiece for the imported variety.

Yet a cursory check with US military sources shows that comparable robots currently being used in Afghanistan such as the back-packable MMP-30 tracked bomb-disposal robot made by The Machine Lab costs $4,325 USD or about Bt138,000 each.

Hopefully, the Thai military will be diligent in its procurement of such robotic devices so as not to waste Thai taxpayer funds and not simply rush to sole source and purchase "Made in Thailand" for the sake of national pride.

Well that's all well and good but 138,000 Baht doesn't get you "a mechanism (which) had been invented which was incorporated into the robots as a by-product." whatever that may be? Perhaps it it is the magic "customised" ingredient which makes the bomb disposal robots "suit the unique combat conditions, environment and user interface in the southernmost provinces" - an ability to broadcast at 100dB "Run for your lives, it's going to blow!" in both Thai and Malay, perhaps?

Whatever, now that this secret mechanism has been registered as an intellectual property, I'm sure the money will come flooding in to offset the $.36 Million baht project that after 3 years has come up with something "uniquely" similar and more expensive than bomb disposal robots that already exist ...................

Edited September 1, 2014 by fab4

[Chris Lawrence]

Around 100 of the multi-terrain robots have been built under a £12m contract with QinetiQ UK.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1258628/Bomb-disposal-robot-carry-rucksack.html

On average, each of the robots that I have featured have cost from $100,000 to $200,000. http://prezi.com/iotetdxk5kmg/robots-used-in-bomb-detection-and-disposal/

http://www.securityprousa.com/eodrobdi.html. You can buy this one on the internet, doesn't say how much?

It seems to depend on what kit is on the machines as to cost. The kit also appears to give levels of what the robot will do. There is also the need for support equipment for the robots.

But as these robots by the Thai Uni has not been tested, they will need to see how they compare with what is out there.

Don't know what they were buying for 12 million baht?

as long as they aren't re-inventing the wheel at double cost, good luck to the boys at the uni?

[dogleg]

Yeah! I miss watching Robot Wars

[EnglishJohn]

It gives me no pleasure to say it, but this will be a 'copy' of something they have seen already - but made with the cheapest hobby-grade components and any high-technology conveniently skipped. It will be unreliable and difficult to use because every corner will have been cut.

I nearly got involved in a Thai UAV project a few years back and soon realized that it is a common aim in Thailand to scam as much money as quickly as possible before the game is up and further funding cancelled. If the army is involved, you need links to people 'inside' to push the funding through, but you are expected to give about half the budget back in kickbacks (and you take care of any tax first).

It's a real eye-opener into how the country works and needless to say I got out quick. I totally understand how the GT200 'bomb detector' farce happened. Nobody cares about the end result as long as it makes them money.

[ggold]

What they need is a powerful mobile phone detector for patrols to carry to detect concealed phone users waiting to explode an IED as the patrol passes. One that can be carried by foot patrols and vehicle patrols.

Given the mobile phone usage prevalence in Thailand, would this be practical? Perhaps if ALL mobile phones in an area were pulsed for a few millseconds at random intervals, phone initiated bombs could be detonated (very) prematurely, which would also greatly increase the risk for those setting them.

I think what he really means is a mobile signal blocking device, which could be used to block a signal to a bomb!

[snowyy73]

What they need is a powerful mobile phone detector for patrols to carry to detect concealed phone users waiting to explode an IED as the patrol passes. One that can be carried by foot patrols and vehicle patrols.

My Company makes exactly that device for the British army

[monkey4u]

l'm still fuzzy as to what this "mechanism" is that makes these 'bots even more unique.

What in the world have these geniuses at the University come up with that the rest of the world does not know about?

Do tell . . . .

It works like an old clock you have to wind the key

The only problem is this must be done every 3 minutes

[Alwyn]

3 year 4.36 million baht project? 100,000 Euros over 3 years...... what could possibly go wrong?