Kochi:
A Rs 12 crore high-end robotic security system, which can handle improvised explosive device, hazardous chemicals and hijacking threats, was launched at the Cochin international airport today.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) Managing Director VJ Kurian inaugurated the system in order to ensure "flawless" safety and security to passengers.
"It represents the leading edge of airport safety . We always support the advancement of technology, especially in safety issues," Mr Kurian said.
The system comprises safety robots, developed by Canada-based Pedsco Ltd, a threat containment vessel and sophisticated luggage containment vehicle (both developed by Nabco, USA).
The equipments were handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which guards the airport.
The Remote Mobile Investigator (RMI)-9WT, is the front runner in the robot family. It is used in the West and Americas by Police, fire departments, military and nuclear and industrial institutions.
It is a light weight, battery operated multi-purpose vehicle that has proven to be ideal for remote handling of IEDs, hazardous chemicals, radio active materials, fire fighting, hostage situations, hijacking and similar situations.
The threat containment vessel (TCV) is capable of handling suspected luggage identified by the robots and containing heavy blasts. The container is reusable in the sense that it withstands repeated detonations.
Besides these, some other security equipment, including Bomb inhibitor (used to protect people and structures against blast, thermal and fragmentation effects resulting from a detonation of explosives), Real Time X-Ray Viewing System (used to take real time X-ray images of suspicious item), Deep Search Metal Detector (used for detection of land mines, underground weapons, magnetic, non-magnetic metallic targets) will also be introduced, a press release said.
Airport Director A C K Nair, CISF Assistant Commandant P P Prabhakaran, CIAL General Managers Sunil Chacko, Saji George CIALSL Managing Director R Venkiteswaran were among those present at the function.