The US Department of Defence has contracted RE2 to develop multiple technology equipment for the first increment of the advanced explosive ordnance disposal robotic system (AEODRS) programme.

Under the multiple contracts, the company will develop the manipulator arm, end-effector, end-effector interface, and the master capability module for the dismounted class of AEODRS robots.

The equipment will be delivered to Joint Service explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, which are managed by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center EOD technology division (NAVEODTECHDIV).

According to NAVEODTECHDIV, the robots, which are currently manufactured by different companies, employ different architectures and disparate user interfaces, and lack a common controller.

The AEODRS programme aims to develop interoperable and interchangeable robotic systems which minimise the cost of EOD robots.