IDF robots to be used during raids
New technology will enable troops to activate robots by remote control,
spray tear gas at suspects and paralyze them prior to arrest
Hanan Greenberg YNET Published: 06.30.09, 17:26 / Israel News
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3739422,00.html

The robotics department at the IDF's Ordnance Corps has recently developed a
prototype robot that can spray tear gas and allow troops to "paralyze"
suspects during raids.

Over the years the robotics department has become a kind of a "hospital" for
the robots that are being used by the army's elite units during operational
activity and while tracing explosive devices and searching buildings that
are deemed dangerous.

"We get the robots, treat and repair them and send them beck to their
units," explained Sergeant Major Roee Arbalani, head of the robotics team.

The team, which is constantly working to upgrade the robots, recently
decided to equip them with a remote controlled arm that can spray tear gas.
"This is a request that came from the troops. We planned and designed it,
consulted experts and built a prototype that will soon be installed on all
the robots," said Arbalani.

The innovation is meant to improve the forces' ability to operate in
populated areas, especially during searches for suspects. The IDF stressed
that the new technology will not be effective as means for dispersing riots.