Brokk joins Eglin EOD unit

EGLIN AFB, Fla. – Airmen from the 96th Civil Engineer Group’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robotics section and contractors were busy April 9 assembling the Eglin-based unit's newly designed robotic system, which gives technicians the ability to recover and dismantle munitions - key to aiding test engineers in weapons development. The powerful robot, currently dubbed Brokk after the Norse blacksmith who forged Thor’s hammer, replaces the first-generation robot, named Stewie. The new custom robot is designed to support Eglin’s Test and Training Complex missions. The $1.3M acquisition is the only one of its kind in the world, according to Maj. Kelly Mattie, EOD flight commander. The Eglin group is the only EOD unit in the Air Force with a test mission directive. Seventh-generation tele-robotic technologies from Kraft and Brokk machinery were combined to create the new robot. (Source: Niceville.com 04/25/18)