The Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad deployed its newest bomb disposal robot this week, according to a fire marshal’s press release.
Bomb technicians have been training for months on the new Telerob Telemax PRO. On Monday, Feb. 3, the robot was placed into service and ready to mitigate possible explosive hazards, the press release said. The Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad is one of nine National Capitol Region bomb squads, commonly referred to as “Metrotech.” The new robot will be a welcomed addition to the current fleet of seven older units the OSFM has spread across the state.
The cost of the Telemax PRO was approximately $400,000 and acquired via a grant from the National Capital Region, Urban Area Security Initiative. Among the many functions, the robot is capable of is conducting remote diagnostics, render safe operations on packages and assist with barricade situations. One of the most exciting pieces of technology the unit has is hazardous material sampling equipment. This will support hazmat teams by having the robot go into a scene versus public safety personnel for collection.
“Bomb Technicians carry out some very delicate work and often risk their lives performing their duties. This addition to our fleet will keep our personnel safer,” State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci said in the release.
With the new unit being a medium-sized robot with a larger platform, bomb technicians will have the advantage of maneuvering into small spaces such as airplane cabins, train cars and buses. The new robot weighs significantly less at only 170 pounds compared to the approximate 400-pound units the agency also has in service.
“Being able to send a robot into a situation remotely is critical. This new robot will be small enough to enter tight spaces where bomb technicians had to go before, and that was a high-risk environment for them. Confined spaces magnify the effect of explosives,” Deputy Chief Duane K. Svites, Bomb Squad commander, said in the release. The robot is equipped with more than 30 pre-programmed automatic motion sequences for manipulators and flippers.
Telerob is a German-based company; however, service to the robot can be accomplished through its local office in Erie, Pa. The robot will be available for responses out of the agency’s office located at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The state’s bomb technicians must complete six weeks of initial training at the FBI Hazardous Devices School in Huntsville, Ala. The bomb squad requires monthly in-service training and collaborative mock simulation exercises with other agencies. Additionally, the OSFM operates a maritime explosive response team that provides the bomb squad with the ability to respond and manage explosive incidents in or around Maryland’s waterways and shipping industry.