Police buy robot 'Bob'

WA Police have bought a new high-tech robot, as part of the state's counter-terrorism program.

Michelle Roberts, WA Police Minister, said bomb disposal work could be very dangerous. "This robot not only enhances the police capability, it also reduces the risks to bomb technicians and emergency service personnel," Roberts said.

The robot -- known as 'Bob' at the police's Tactical Response Group Bomb Response Unit -- cost $661,000 and was funded by the National Counter Terrorism Committee. It is an Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Observation Robot.

Dave Parkinson, State Protection Services Superintendent, said 'Bob' was a significant improvement over the 1998 model the robot was replacing.

"The new robot offers improved mobility, increased endurance and much greater versatility, enabling the operator to undertake chemical, biological and radiological response tasks," Parkinson said.

Among its features is a vision system made up of colour cameras with low light capabilities, with the images able to be recorded via a video link.