Robots Boost Bulgarian Police Forces

Politics | February 7, 2006, Tuesday // 00:00
Robots Boost Bulgarian Police Forces US Ambassador to Sofia John R. Beyrle (right to robot) granted to Bulgarian Interior Minister Rumen Petkov (next to him) two MR-5 robots as a donation of the US government to Bulgarian police. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia News Agency)

Two MR-5 mobile robots have entered the ranks of Bulgarian police to help for identifying and disarming explosive devices.

The new mobile facilities, popularly known among policemen as Mr Five, are part of a donation by the US government to Bulgaria's Interior Ministry at the cost of USD 800,000.

Each robot weighs 300 kg, in full equipment, can move on whatsoever terrain and can be directed remotely through an optic wire.

Bulgaria already has two MR-5s, which is seen to be the most sophisticated bomb identification and disarming capability available in the world.

Besides the robots, the US donation includes also two special vans to transport them, protective clothing for dealing with bombs and explosive devices, and training.

US Ambassador to Sofia John R. Beyrle said that the donation is part of a continuing program to give the most modern police equipment to Bulgaria and adds to the USD 1.5 M in equipment and training of 600 Bulgarian police officers by the US government.

"I hope these robots are never needed, but if they are needed, Bulgaria will have the best possible technology to protect the lives of its policemen and its citizens," the US diplomat noted.

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