ST Electronics Info-Com Systems has unveiled an unmanned duo sensor, dubbed Tactical Throwing Sensor (TTS) and Forward Sensor System (FSS), both are mobile recce robots specially designed to support the Singapore Army Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS). The sensors provide real-time indoor surveillance supporting law enforcement, counter terror, infantry and special forces assault teams. The robots perform effectively at all light levels, using built in infrared surveillance for use in conditions of total darkness. The two-wheel TTS is designed for indoor operations, thrown into its target by hand. It can be controlled from a handheld Control Display System from a distance of up to 150 meters. The FSS is a four-wheel robot, equipped with powerful motors for indoor and outdoor operation on gravel, sand or rocky terrain. Its multiple cameras are providing 360 degree coverage.
The development of hand thrown robots stemmed from a study of Singapore Defense Science Organization (DSO) to explore the production of stealth-class robots – small and stealthy light-weight robots that are deployable for surgical close-in surveillance or suicide missions in an urban environment. The concept envisaged a hand thrown robot that carries a pan-tilt-zoom camera and that could survive drops of up to 6 meters. It also allows the soldier to throw the robot into windows or openings and provides a real-time video of the interior to the soldier.
