(Avoca) Wayne Brosam, Special Agent with the State Fire Marshall’s Division, demonstrated a bomb-disposal robot at the Avoca Fire Station opening celebration on Saturday at 1313 N. Sawmill Drive in Avoca.
The Bomb Disposable Robot is designed to detect, handle, and, in some cases, disarm explosive devices while keeping human operators at a safe distance. Military, police, and bomb disposal units commonly use them. Essentially, they act as the “hands and eyes” for humans in extremely dangerous situations. Brosam says these robots often feature a robotic arm or gripper, enabling them to pick up, move, or manipulate suspicious packages safely without putting human lives at risk.
Most bomb robots are equipped with wheels or tracks, allowing them to navigate rough terrain, stairs, or debris. Some advanced models can even climb small obstacles, ensuring they can reach dangerous devices in a variety of environments. Brosam says the Robot is housed in Western Iowa as part of the State Fire Marshall bomb squad.
Bomb robots are controlled remotely, often from hundreds of meters away, using a console or tablet. This ensures that human operators remain well out of harm’s way while assessing and neutralizing explosive threats.
These robots are essential tools in EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), counter-terrorism, airport security, and military operations. Their use reduces the risk to human life while efficiently managing potentially deadly situations.
