Translogic Highlights the LAPD BatCat

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Aol Auto’s Translogic series highlights the BatCat telehandler operated by the Los Angeles Police Department. Watch Video.

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Bad guys, beware! The BatCat will get you. Aol Auto’s Translogic series released a video highlighting the Bomb Assessment Tactical Counter Assault Tool (BatCat) owned and operated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad. The specialized fork lift can be used in a variety of applications, including: breaching buildings, inspecting bombs, and even supporting a sniper perch.

The BatCat was designed to be an all-purpose, heavy duty telehandler that can be driven manually or by remote control depending on the danger of the situation. That’s where Autonomous Solutions, Inc. comes in. ASI handled the vehicle automation technology that enables officers to drive the BatCat remotely, allowing officers to operate downrange without physically being in danger.
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The same robotic technology found in the BatCat is also being used by the US Air Force for target vehicles, Ford Motor Company’s robotic durability program, and other mining and agricultural groups.

“The whole idea is we want to be able to keep people out of harm’s way,” said ASI’s Eric Budd during his Translogic interview.

“BatCat is designed to be very methodical, and very precise,” said Officer Rich Nagatoshi who was instrumental in bringing the BatCat to the LAPD. The BatCat can be equipped with a variety of attachments such as lifting forks or even a massive claw capable of crushing a car. The BatCat’s versatility makes is the first choice of bomb squad officers in difficult and dangerous situations. “When we roll up on scene, it’s because they need us.”
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“Almost every bomb squad has some kind of robot,” continued Officer Nagatoshi. “In today’s day and age we try to do as much as possible robotically. We can always replace this robot; we can always replace this BatCat. You can’t put a price on a human life.”

The LAPD is currently the only installation of the BatCat, but as autonomy technology continues to become more affordable, more agencies will be able to adopt robotics into their tool set.

Watch the full video: Translogic 141: LAPD Batcat.
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