By Heather McLean, 14 February 2002 11:30
NEWS A Japanese computer optics company has invented a landmine-squashing robot which is expected to be in use around the world before the end of this year. The robot uses a device attached to its body to detect and identify anti-personnel landmines. It then disables them without detonation. When the robot finds a mine it covers it with a protective cowl then destroys it by giving it a massive wallop with a hydraulic hammer at velocities of up to three metres per second. The robot may be used in the removal of mines from Afghanistan, where Japan is expected to be heavily involved this year. The device can also spot and safely disable anti-tank mines and unexploded shells.
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