Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 22, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Marshall Snedegar , Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

ANDROS Military Robot Demonstration

West Virginia 's Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days

September 24-25, 2005 at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

  A military robot demonstration is a last-minute addition to this weekend's West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. The robot will be in use both days of the celebration, September 24 from 9.am. to 6 p.m. and September 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stonewall Jackson State Park is just off Interstate 79 at Exit 91.

  SSG Joey of the 753d Ord Co (EOD) is an ANDROS Robot and is used by the military and law enforcement communities, according to SFC William Moore of the 753d Ord Co (EOD).  Its primary use is Explosive Ordnance Disposal/EOD (Bomb Disposal).  It is deployed in areas that may not be accessible to its human counterparts.  The robot comes fully equipped with two articulating claws (hands), four cameras, microphone and speaker and includes a weapons platform that allows the mounting of various EOD Disruption tools such as the .50 cal de-armor, shotgun and the PAN disrupter. 

  It can be deployed in hazardous environments like radioactive, chemical and biological areas.  Mounted on rubber tank treads, it weighs approximately 700 pounds and is capable of negotiating stairs and obstacles with relative ease.  It can pull an injured soldier from harms way operating in any weather condition.  The ANDROS has seen duty in Afghanistan , Bosnia , Egypt , Iraq , Kuwait and numerous large cities throughout the world.  However, due to its weight, it is slowly being replaced by its smaller brother for operations in the sand.  its ability to keep its human counterpart at a safe distance from any hazardous device will allow it a long and well deserved career in the Explosive Disposal arena.

The National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration is sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation. Admission will be $3 for adults, $1 for children 15 and younger, and anyone age 3 and younger will be admitted free. For information, please call Marshall Snedegar at (304) 558-2771 or visit the WVDNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov

**DNR**