Kane County Sheriff's Office Upgrades Decades-Old Bomb Equipment with High-Tech “Robot Dog"

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The Kane County Board has approved a major upgrade to the Sheriff's Office bomb detection capabilities, replacing equipment that has been in use for nearly 27 years.

The Kane County Sheriff's Office will be purchasing a new robotic explosive detection system. The device, designed to resemble a dog, can climb stairs, open doors, and deploy a disruptor to neutralize explosives from a safe distance.

In addition to bomb detection, the “robot dog” will be used in SWAT situations, taking on dangerous tasks that would otherwise put human lives at risk.

With the Kane County bomb squad responding to more than 100 calls annually, the Sheriff's Office emphasizes the importance of having reliable, cutting-edge tools to protect both deputies and the public.

The County will acquire the new bomb detection system from Boston Dynamics, with enhanced capabilities provided by technology firm FlyMotion, at a cost of $350,000.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the current bomb detection robot is 27 years old and severely outdated, offering limited communication and video feedback.