An enhanced robotic explosive ordnance disposal device has been delivered to the U.S. Army by RE2 Robotics of Pennsylvania.

The Highly Dexterous Manipulation System has two manipulator arms instead of the standard one arm of systems now in use.

"The direct benefit of the HDMS technology to Army personnel is significantly increased performance and capability over currently fielded manipulators for both tele-operated and semi-autonomous use on mobile robot platforms," said Jorgen Pedersen, president and chief executive officer of RE2. "These manipulation improvements directly correlate to a reduction in time-on-target and overall mission time, resulting in increased safety for all mission personnel."

Robotic systems are used by the military for detection, inspection and neutralization of an explosive device. The single manipulator arm is often limited in its dexterity, reach and lifting capacity. The new HDMS is more rugged, ergonomic and intuitive to control, RE2 said, since two arms allow operators to perform complex tasks, such as securing an object with one arm and manipulating with the other.

The RE2 system was delivered to the U.S. Army's Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center under an Army Small Business Innovation Research Phase II extension contract.