The US Navy and Marine Corps have just signed an agreement with L3Harris Technologies (a leading US technology, defense and information technology service provider) to purchase 34 large T7 robots, serving explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) missions.
The contract allows US armed forces to begin receiving robots this year, although the specific value of the agreement has not yet been disclosed.
Robot T7 is one of the advanced bomb and mine disposal systems developed by L3Harris. This device is designed to operate in dangerous environments where direct human access poses high risks.
With flexible control arms, the robot can lift objects weighing nearly 300 pounds (about 136 kg), capable of handling many types of explosives and suspicious devices.
The T7 system is also equipped with many replaceable parts, allowing flexible configuration depending on specific tasks.
Thanks to the multi-camera observation system, robots can operate effectively in confined spaces, complex urban areas, and even climb stairs, which is an important ability in real-world situations.
Another highlight of the T7 is sensory feedback technology. Through controlled vibrations, the operator can "feel" the movements of the robot arm when working remotely.
This helps increase accuracy when handling dangerous objects, while minimizing the risk of errors in sensitive tasks.
The US Navy and Marine Corps' selection of the T7 is not surprising. Previously, the US Air Force purchased 170 T7 robots in 2021 for the explosive ordnance treatment program.
The first robots were handed over to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in 2022 and received positive feedback from soldiers directly using them.
According to them, the T7 has long battery life, good operating speed and higher flexibility compared to previous systems.
Mr. Dave Kornick, Chairman of intelligence, cybersecurity, space systems and mission department of L3Harris, said that being chosen by both the Navy and the Marine Corps is proof of the performance and reliability of the T7.
According to him, this system will bring significant advantages in the most difficult explosive material handling tasks.
In addition to providing robots, the contract with the US Department of Defense also requires L3Harris to implement a comprehensive training program.
This program aims to ensure that military personnel master all aspects of operating, exploiting and maintaining T7 robots, contributing to improving efficiency and safety in future EOD missions.
