The researchers, from the Prince of Songkla University's Hat Yai campus, hope their award-winning invention will soon be able to defuse bombs and save lives in the three southernmost provinces.

"The robot can complement a bomb-disposal team and function in high-risk situations," said Dr Pattara Aiyarak of the science faculty.

Pattara and a graduate student, Piyapat Poonthong, had the idea of developing a robot to deal with bombs out of concern over the spiralling violence in the South, where bombings are rife and bomb-disposal teams regularly risk their lives.

Equipped with a camera, the robot, developed with a Bt150,000 budget, can help teams examine suspicious items from about 50 metres.

"The robot can be remote-controlled.

"However, some circumstances may require signal jamming and that's why we have developed direct-line controls," Pattara said.

Pattara said the 43rd Border Police Unit had expressed an interest in developing the robot.

"We will be proud if our invention is practical and useful in their mission," he said.

Pattara said efforts were being made to make the robot more efficient by making it smaller and equipping it with a water cannon.

Piyapat said his team spent a year developing the robot and tests were proving satisfactory. "Our invention should be active in the near future," he added. 

Supitcha Jantapa

The Nation