Researchers from the Industrial Institute for Automation and Measurements, which belongs to the Łukasiewicz Research Network, have developed a robot that replaces sappers and pyrotechnicians in action. It is already being used at most Polish airports.

PIAP IBIS is a robot designed for pyrotechnical and reconnaissance operations. The six-wheel mobile platform with independent drive for each wheel makes the robot move easily over difficult and varied terrain. With the installation of additional equipment, it can be used for the neutralisation of hazardous cargo, chemical reconnaissance, and rescue operations.

The robot is remotely controlled via an operator panel. The panel’s screen displays images from cameras and sensors mounted on the robot, so the operator can see the whole operation. At the same time, the operator is at a safe distance from the action. This ensures the safety of the operator’s work and, at the same time, removes the stress of working in an immediate life-threatening situation.

The device supports the work of airport services. The robot has been designed and equipped to support the work of bomb-sweepers and pyrotechnicians in emergency situations, carry out reconnaissance of baggage left at the airport, pick up and transport dangerous cargo and even neutralise it.  In a bomb threat situation, the use of the robot, provides greater security for officers, passengers and the facility, as well as shorter downtime for airport operations and therefore lower costs due to delays.

PIAP IBIS is already in use at airports in Warsaw, Modlin, Poznan, Katowice, Gdansk and Wroclaw, and more recently in Krakow, Rzeszow and Lublin. The robot is also in service with the Police, Military Police and Specialised Chemical and Environmental Rescue Groups of the Fire Service.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński