The Spanish company TechnoRobot has introduced here the RiotBot – a new class of unmanned platform designed for intervention in riots, prison disturbances, or other civil disorders, where neutralization of specific elements is required by law enforcement agents, avoiding direct contact with the crowd. By operating with effective non lethal means to suppress, or deactivate a target without the presence of personnel, RiotBot can eliminate potential threats while minimizing escalation typically caused by police intervention.
The Riotbot platform comprises a six-wheel electrically driven automotive system, fitted with rechargeable lithium batteries to last for two hours of continuous operation. Turnaround tasks include recharging the weapon’s compressed air tank, replacing batteries and reloading ammunition is performed in less than five minutes.
The riotbot weighs about 18 kg (40 pounds) and can travel at a speed of 20 km/h (12 mph), and its weapon are controlled from a game-style hand controller and portable console, monitoring and controlling the vehicle from a distance of one mile. The weapon mount employs a PepperBall TAC700 carbine customized and adapted for safe use on the robot. A video camera is attached to the mount, monitoring the weapon’s aiming line in its field of view. RiotBot packs 450 PAVA balls of ammunition feeding at 700 rounds per minute. The carbine is designed with safety measures enabling it firing only by remote control, therefore preventing hostiles from turning it against the operators. The weapon can tilt at elevations of 30 degrees or depression of -15 degrees, and turn 150 degrees to each side. It is effective at distances from zero of 60 ft.
