Here’s how the researchers describe their system: After the robot scans the package, experts can examine what’s inside, and make a call about whether or not to destroy the suitcase. Having that information is helpful for the actual process of defusing. It also provides a record that experts can then hand off to law enforcement looking to track down bombers. Presently, if a bomb squad wants to look inside a package, they have to have the robot carry it and place it in a mobile x-ray station, which could risk dislodging some part of the bomb in the process. Scanning the bomb as it sits means experts get the information fast, without jostling the package. The sensor is scheduled to begin demonstrations this year, with the full sensor suite available for bomb squad robots planned for 2019.
