T5 Robotic Rover: The High-Tech Crime Fighter

DETROIT (WWJ) - Wayne County Homeland Security put on a demonstration of one of its latest high-tech tools used to respond to emergencies; whether those are natural, or man-made.

The T5 Robotic Rover has become the latest high-tech crime fighter in Metro Detroit.

Think lunar rover without the solar panels, explains WWJ's Jon Hewett, the T5 is a 70 pound remote controlled wonder with all the bells and whistles, including night vision capable cameras, an onboard DVR, and an extension LED light array.

Built to go into areas too risky for first responders, the T5 has already been put into use by the Western - Wayne County SWAT team.

"Instead of putting their members at risk, they send the robot in, peek in windows, gather intel," said Michael Magna of Western Wayne Hazardous Response team . "The robot even has capabilities of blowing up doors."

The robot can easily handle a flight of stairs, has a grab arm and can shoot acrylic pellets if needed.

Purchased for $189,000 through a homeland security grant the unit is available to any area municipality for the asking says Magna.

"The options are endless for the use of this thing," he said.