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Fiber optics and robotics--saving lives on hazardous missions.

Article Excerpt
Ruggedized, tactical-grade fiber-optic cable provides mechanical control and high-resolution video monitoring of robotic equipment, enabling life-saving functions over surprising distances

In recent years we've all become painfully aware of the mortal fear and human cost that comes with terrorist explosives, although most of us are at a considerable distance.

Fortunately, front-line military troops and civilian first responders can now also operate at a safe distance when dealing with hazards ranging from roadside bombs to toxic mishaps--via fiber-optic cable-controlled robotic equipment.

The adoption of robotics continues to proliferate, supporting military and security operations, deep-sea research, subterranean mining, aerospace, telecommunications and countless manufacturing applications--anywhere human safety or proficiencies are concerned. In a growing number of applications where secure communications and full-motion, real-time video are concerned, engineers and manufacturers of advanced robotics are incorporating another sophisticated technology--ruggedized fiber-optic cable.

With proven capabilities in broadcasting and remote controls of mechanical equipment, fiber-optic cable is used in diverse applications ranging from the "flying" TV camera to mile-deep mining operations where robots perform jobs that are too risky, time-consuming or difficult for humans...