Vita gazette: Its name is Saetta, and it is the first robot dog supplied to the Carabinieri. It was assigned to Rome’s bomb squad and will be used for surveillance and defusing bombs.

The first robot dog now in service in the Carabinieri was presented on social media. The name derives from the characteristic symbol of the sides of the carabinieri cars, which also share the traditional red and dark blue colours.

Made with the Army’s traditional blue and red livery, “Saetta” will initially be assigned to the Bomb Squad of Rome. About 50 centimetres tall, it can climb stairs and move on terrain that standard vehicles cannot cross. Using the mechanical arm on the front of the robot, it will be able to open doors, remove obstacles and move bombs.

Thanks to detection systems and laser and thermal sensors, it can transmit maps of the areas under surveillance and detect the presence of explosives and chemical and radiological agents. It is remotely controlled from a simple tablet and has a range of action of 150 metres. It will also be able to navigate rough terrain that cannot be travelled by traditional wheeled or tracked vehicles. This will guarantee excellent safety for agents, avoiding their direct exposure to dangerous situations.

 “Saetta” can go up and down flights of stairs and independently open doors and remove obstacles, as well as map places through advanced laser and thermal detection systems. This will allow us to highlight the presence of threats and identify, together with specific instrumentation, even minimal traces of explosives and chemical and radiological agents. But that’s not all, because the robot dog, equipped with a particular robotic arm, will be able to remove mortar, including large unexploded firecrackers, and supply equipment to soldiers unable to move.

Saetta, it is explained, was not “enlisted” to replace the carabinieri and dog units, but rather “to reduce the danger, facilitate the management of the most hostile operational situations and therefore represent an added value in institutional activities”.