From surveillance, to suspicious material identification, to detection of hazardous gases, robots can gain situational awareness in inaccessible locations or where it is not safe for humans to go. These robots can be remotely operated, and sent in advance to a dangerous or unknown environment to significantly reduce risk for a human first responder team.

First on the scene after an emergency call such as for a bomb explosion, terrorist attack or fire, robots are often critical in this situation, but First Responders are currently unable to communicate reliably with robots operating underground, in collapsed structures, and similar situations. Today's vehicles operate with tethers or 'breadcrumb' repeaters (small transmission devices deployed like breadcrumbs) which can limit usability in an emergency situation.

This is the first attempt to fully integrate WFS wireless technology into a commercial robotic platform and will demonstrate a robot operating underground. The wireless technology will enable the development of robots that can then be used in tunnels, collapsed buildings, sewerage networks and in shallow water - anywhere it might be unsafe for a human to go.

The robot will use WFS' wireless modems to provide 2-way communications, networking and location capabilities through-ground and through-water and will enable the robot to stream video, collect sensor data and act as a repeater for underground voice communications. With wireless communications and location/tracking capabilities, First Responders are able to deploy robots for search and rescue activities more widely, more rapidly and more safely. The WURFR system will;

• Improve safety for First Responder teams
• Reduce costs of inspecting and clearing emergency locations
• No tether, increased flexibility of deployment

The WURFR system is expected to become a core element of the First Responder's toolkit, improving public safety and efficiency during incidents.