Landmine robots
How do these machines navigate terrain riddled with explosives?
Words by Ailsa Harvey
What makes landmines so difficult to detect is that they were designed not to be. Built as a hidden military weapon and used to defend land and target opponents as they step or drive onto the earth above, the destruction and danger was all part of the plan.
To prevent death and injury in current or past war zones, these underground explosives need to be safely detected. How can a soldier progress with confidence when every step is a gamble? The most common technique for demining is manual, involving people putting their lives at risk as they slowly parade the landscape, eyes to the floor.