Unmanned ground robots are used for reconnaissance during critical incidents to assist in providing visibility in areas where it would be unsafe to send a peace officer. Not having access to this item would require the use of peace officers to engage in high-risk tasks. There is no known alternative to this system. Robots are essential equipment for the SWAT team and provide safe communications options, de-escalation opportunities, and assistance with locating and apprehending violent offenders. Throughout the last 12 years, Fairfield SWAT robots have been used to search dangerous locations and to examine explosive devices in a backyard.
The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is authorized three robots: two Robotex Avatar II robots and one Recon Robotics Throwbot. Two of the robots are over ten years old and the other was purchased in 2016. Robotex went out of business in January of 2023 and no longer provides technical support for the robots. The current robots have limitations with cameras and video, climbing stairs using track systems, navigating items such as loose clothing on the floor, setup time, and the microphone and speaker system. The current robots are also mechanically failing and are regularly sent out for repair. Modern technology has advanced beyond the capabilities of the current robots. Due to the age and limitations of current robots, the availability of new technology, and the lack of technical support from Robotex, the Police Department is seeking to update its inventory.
Based on the special criteria the SWAT team has for the proposed purchase, quotes were solicited from various vendors. The Department sought a single vendor that could provide multiple types of unmanned robotics that support specific missions to help unify training, service, and support. Transcends Robotics remained the most competitive manufacturer. Other manufacturers provided similar capabilities at higher costs. A direct comparison was only made between Transcends Robotics and Airworx Unmanned Solutions.
- SuperDroid Robots HD2-S Doberman $52,754.74
- SuperDroid Robots LT2-F Bloodhound $50,709.10
- Aardvark Tactical – Not currently selling to police departments
- Adorama Packbot $186,171
- ICOR Caliber-Flex $220,256.93
- ICOR Mini Caliber $61,661.68
- Recon Robotics Throwbot2 $15,085.80
- Airworx Unmanned Solutions Mini Vantage $17,500
- Airworx Unmanned Solutions Vantage $33,500
- Airworx Total $51,000
- Transcends Robotics Mini Vantage $13,500
- Transcends Robotics Vantage $29,397
- Transcends Robotics Total $42,897
Transcends Robotics manufactures robots with a 98% success rate on first attempts at stair climbs, 15-second time frames to set up and deploy, and a 14-day turnaround to repair any issues. The requested robots match and improve upon the capabilities of the current Police Department robots in the areas of battery life, operational capabilities, decreased set up time, and the availability of technical support. They are equipped with Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) night vision and eight Infra Red (IR) automatic LEDS on a Pan Tilt Zoom camera. The robots will meet industry standards and utilize night vison as required in the original Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding proposal. The robot is used by several agencies throughout the nation to include a police SWAT team within the County of Solano.
Transcends Robotics is an approved vendor with the Police Department and was selected based on current industry standards, a performance demonstration attended by members of the SWAT team, another Solano County agency using the same robot, and because Transcends Robotics is known to be the current industry leader for the types of robots requested. SWAT team members worked with Transcends Robotics to get the lowest price possible.
Transcends robots provide the following advantages and capabilities:
Vantage Robot Specifications:
- Climbs stairs, and obstacles up to 12 inches with the push of a joy stick
- Maneuvers easily on tight staircase landings
- Camera Suite: Color drive camera, pan tilt zoom (25x zoom), FLIR thermal and auto IR night vision
- Looks on top of beds, tables, and down into bathtubs without an arm
- Excels at traversing clothes such as underwear and sheets
- Push To Talk 2-Way Audio
- Sensitive robot microphone can listen from up to 20 feet away
- 3-hour continuous runtime
- 12-hour idle runtime
Mini Vantage Specifications:
- Climb up to 8 inches
- 2-hour continuous runtime / 3-hour idle time
- Ability to drive over clothes
- Camera suite: 120° color drive camera, LED light bar, auto camera orientation flip
- Rugged and impact resistant wheels
- Entirely self-serviceable with tool kit
- Cost effective motor and wheel replacements
- May be thrown through windows
Fairfield City Ordinance 2022-06 and City of Fairfield Municipal Code Chapter 31 requires City Council approval for the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment. Assembly Bill 481 defines these unmanned robots as military equipment and therefore requires City Council approval for the acquisition and modification to the Police Department’s Lexipol Policy 711 to reflect the change in inventory.
The Police Department requests the approval to purchase two Transcends Robotics robots, the Vantage and Mini Vantage utilizing funds from the Fiscal Year 2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and the modification to Lexipol Policy 711 to reflect the change in inventory. The total purchase price of the Vantage and Mini Vantage robots is $42,897, including trade-in for the two existing obsolete Robotex Avatar II robots and the one Recon Robotics Throwbot.