Babcock Australasia has successfully introduced advanced, ready-to-use, backpackable robot systems aimed at bolstering the counter-explosive capabilities of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). The company’s Squad Packable Utility Robots (SPUR) Remote Positioning Vehicles – Light are set to play a crucial role in the ADF’s operations, enhancing their search, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. These innovative systems are designed to improve situational awareness and provide an additional layer of protection for personnel in combat environments.
Under a significant $10 million (16 million Australian dollar) contract, Babcock has partnered with EPE, an Australian defense firm, to deliver an undisclosed quantity of the SPUR systems tailored to meet the requirements of the ADF. As part of this collaboration, Babcock is charged with optimizing acquisition and sustainability processes, while EPE contributes its expertise in force protection and counter-chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (C-CBRNE) solutions.
Warwick Penrose, CEO of EPE Group, highlighted the partnership’s success in establishing a sustainable sovereign capability within Australia. This capability enables the testing, acquisition, training, maintenance, and sustainability of essential equipment that safeguards Defence personnel. “The outcome of this collaboration is reduced risk to the Commonwealth,” Penrose stated, underscoring the strategic importance of these advancements.
Andrew Cridland, CEO of Babcock Australasia, emphasized that the acquisition and deployment of the SPUR systems are integral to the company’s comprehensive C-CBRNE asset management services through its Prime Vendor Agreement with the ADF.
The SPUR vehicles are produced by QinetiQ, a long-time partner of EPE. These compact robots boast a high-performance manipulator arm and sophisticated imaging capabilities. Weighing approximately 13 kilograms (28 pounds) and standing at just 4.75 inches (12.6 centimeters) tall, they can be rapidly deployed from a backpack in under a minute. The robot can traverse various terrains, operating at a speed of 4.7 miles (7.56 kilometers) per hour, and is adept at maneuvering around obstacles, including rocky paths, sandy areas, water hazards, culverts, and sewer pipes.
Notably, the SPUR systems were first put into action by the ADF in 2022 during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents, signifying their swift integration into operational settings. The continued development and deployment of such technology represent a significant leap forward in enhancing the ADF’s capabilities and ensuring the safety of its personnel in diverse and potentially hazardous environments.
