The Nigerian Air Force Institute of
Technology, Kaduna, on Monday said it had invented an Unmanned Ground
Vehicle (bomb-detecting robot) capable of defusing Improvised Explosive
Devices.
The institute Commandant, Air Vice
Marshal John Oshoniyi, said this in Kaduna at a briefing to herald the
school’s 42nd graduation lecture entitled ‘Enhancing wealth creation
through the application of innovative technology; research and
development: the role of tertiary institutions.’
Oshoniyi said the research and the
development of the robot commenced after the death of a police sergeant,
Sunday Badang, who attempted to defuse a bomb in Kaduna on February 14,
2012.
He said rather than human beings dying while operating an IED, it was better to use a robot.
According to him, it is no secret that
the country is facing security challenges and the only way to tackle the
threat is to create new and smarter devices.
He said, “In our research efforts,
following the incessant bombings in the country, I informed you last
year that AFIT had commenced research into the development of robot
capable of remotely defusing high-calibre bombs and Improvised Explosive
Devices.
“I am indeed pleased to inform you that
we are making remarkable progress in the research. We already have a
prototype of the robot. This briefing will be followed by a short
presentation of the Unmanned Ground Vehicle and the demonstration of its
capabilities.”
He also announced the invention of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, codenamed AMEBO lll, saying the new aerial surveillance device was an improved version of AMEBO l and ll.
AMEBO 111, he explained, would
assist in pipeline and power line monitoring to reduce the spate of
vandalism and economic sabotage in the country.
Oshoniyi, who urged the Presidency to
assent to the AFIT Establishment bill, added that poor funding was
affecting the performance of the institute.
He said, “The research activities being
undertaken at the AFIT come with huge financial implications and the
resources required for the institute to fully operate cannot be financed
by the Nigerian Air Force alone.
“It is in this regard that we earnestly
seek the passage of the AFIT Establishment bill. The last National
Assembly passed the bill but Mr. President did not sign it.
“The bill when assented to by Mr.
President will open the institute to greater funding with adequate and
political support. The institute, for instance, can develop its UAV
programme to produce operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that would be
useful in pipeline and power line monitoring as well as in aerial
surveillance. This will ultimately reduce the incidence of vandalism and
sabotage.
“The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle can also be
used to enhance internal security through the provision of timely
information when effectively deployed in crisis–prone areas.”
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This are the type of things our govt.should invest in. Instead of excessive remuneration of lawmakers & other high profile public office holders.
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