The Lakeland Police Department is calling their newest technological addition a game-changer and a potential life-saver.
- ICOR Robot meant to help de-escalate dangerous situations
- Robot cost $118,000, including shipping, training
- Equipped to open locked doors, flatten tires, surveil area
The department believes its new ICOR robot will be a key tool to de-escalating dangerous situations and keeping its officers safe.
Before the purchase this technologically advanced robot, the SWAT team had to wait for other agencies to bring their robots to the scene. Sometimes that led to the team waiting hours.
Sgt. Chad Mumbauer recalls 22 years ago having to use mirrors and duct tape to find suspects hiding in homes. He calls the new robot a "game changer."
"Very exciting. After 22 years on SWAT, this is one of the best pieces of equipment I've ever seen,” said Mumbauer.
The robot cost $118,000 including shipping and training. Mumbauer said a portion of it was funded through seizure money.
The robot has impressive mobility, allowing it to go up and down stairs, and can perform a number of other tasks that may be necessary in SWAT situations. It can even talk to the suspect hiding in a room.
"Open locked doors, flatten tires, look in cars, break car windows with it,” Mumbauer explained.
The robot is also outfitted with several cameras, a monitor, and lights.
"Basically, we can do about anything that we need to try to find someone without exposing a member, a life, a canine a SWAT member or an officer. So if we use this, it's a much safer environment, for everyone involved,” Mumbauer said.
The SWAT team will demonstrate how it works at the Lakeland Commission meeting on May 7. It will also showcase the new drones the department purchased.