The bigger picture: A robot that helps to detonate bombs.

THE WHEELBARROW is a remote-controlled robot that’s used by the British Army for bomb disposal, serving as the operator’s eyes and hands. The robot is equipped with several disruptor weapons and, whenever possible, is used to recce potential bombs as opposed to exposing human personnel to lethal explosions. The first models were introduced in

1972, and it’s reported that since then they have saved hundreds of lives. The robot can traverse arduous terrain up to speeds of almost 10 km/h. It can climb stairs and is capable of pushing a standard passenger vehicle, even while its brakes are applied. The operator’s commands are relayed to the robot by means of a cable, fibre-optic link, or radio (usually at a line of sight distance of 1 km). The unit pictured was being used by the 11th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment during exercises in Jordan.