Chinese Robot on ‘duty’ at BIA

On November 1, the curiosity of people was aroused on seeing the ‘Dog’ robots deployed at the terminals at the Bandaranayake International Airport in Katunayake (BIA). The smart robot is attractive and will help detect Narcotics; hence featuring prominently in the task of  nabbing drug dealers. The robot priced at rupees 160 million, was donated to the Police Narcotic Bureau by the Government of China.

As far as Narcotics missions were concerned, they were carried out with the help of trained police dogs under the directions of Sanjeewa Madawatte, Deputy Inspector General of Police. After the introduction of the new robot, the mission of detecting drugs and explosive is expected to be successful more than before.  

Suspects detected

If a passenger is entering the terminal at the arrival or departure, the robot would be able to scan him/her automatically within a distance of 5 meters with ease. When the robot confirms the suspicious items in the baggage whether they are drugs or explosives like liquid, powder or tablets an alarm is triggered off making a red bulb flash.

Tiny atoms of drugs or explosives might be stuck when they are hidden somewhere. In such instances the robot is capable of detecting them. Special sensors of the robot automatically scan the baggage to detect drugs or explosive and the robot would be able to display the place where it is hidden within a bag.  The robot is attached to a tab that helps control it. It also helps us to watch the passenger’s activities with the help of Bluetooth.   

It charges It’s battery by itself. The robot comprises specially installed sensors, a battery and an infrared facility. When the battery is dead, the system automatically allows the robot to connect with a charging point where the terminal is located.

Robot detects ‘ICE’ 

On the second day after installing the robot, it detected 273 grams of a drug called ‘ICE’ going on to demonstrate its capability and efficiency.