WASHINGTON, 15 July 2007. The Navy has the lead for Man-Transportable Robotic Systems (MTRS) in its capacity as the single manager for the Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JSEOD) Technology Program, according to the Program Executive Office Littoral and Mine Warfare. The MTRS are small, two-man portable robots that are saving lives from roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq and Afghanistan.
MTRS robots are rugged, tracked, unmanned vehicles that are guided by EOD operators using a videogame-like joystick. They go into danger zones to interrogate, manipulate, and disable IEDs, unexploded ordnance (UXO), mines, and other incendiary devices.
The EOD/CREW Program Office (PMS 408) -- under the executive management of Mr. Jim Thomsen, the Navy's program executive officer for Littoral and Mine Warfare (PEO LMW) -- develops, tests, and provides tools, equipment, and procedures for the JSEOD Program on behalf of Rear Adm. Archer M. Macy, Jr.
Adm. Macy is the executive manager for DOD EOD Technology and Training and Commander of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC). The Naval EOD Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV) at NSWC Indian Head's Stump Neck Annex is the technical design and in-service engineering agent for MTRS.
"NAVSEA has been truly visionary in its advocacy for robots as valuable, life-saving tools that help keep U.S. troops out of harm's way," says retired Vice Adm. Joe Dyer, president of iRobot Government and Industrial Robots.
