MARCH 20, 2025 – Today was my first day on the job, there was no training, just pure instincts to carry out a mission that could save lives. I was carefully lowered down into the darkness of the confined space when my wheels hit the ground. That’s when my operator took control and steered me deeper into the unknown to locate the source of the hazard.
The 14th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire and Emergency services flight reinforced their ongoing commitment to operational safety by incorporating the Marten MK2 Pro, a state-of-the-art remote-controlled inspection robot. The MK2 Pro was used to perform reconnaissance in the confined spaces of the sewer structures under the commissary to examine unconfirmed hazards and damages.
“This is a complex piece of machinery, and the plan went flawlessly,” said Mr. Donald Vickery, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire and Emergency services flight fire inspector and logistics officer. “From me controlling the robot, to the person hooking up the rigging and the person who went down with the robot, we used this for safety more than anything else.”
The introduction of robotic hazard detection contributes to firefighter safety and reduces their risk of exposure in a potentially dangerous environment by providing detailed assessments of situations before firefighters even have to step in. Using the robot’s confined space area capabilities, firefighters can remotely deploy the device and utilize its camera to maneuver through limited space and visibility environments a human could not.
The symbiotic relationship between the Marten MK2 Pro and the controller is why the fire department nicknamed it Venom. Built to handle complex terrain with rugged, slash-resistant tires and capability to continue driving even when flipped over; the four-wheel drive robot features a 10x optical zoom 1080p camera with audio, extended range of up to 750ft line-of-sight and a spotlight providing customizable bright illumination to enhance visibility in any low lighting conditions.
The successful deployment of Venom also marks a step forward in the advancement of the installation emergency readiness program. Vickery explained that deploying the robot can be a faster and more efficient response to a situation: providing emergency teams expedited access to data when making informed decisions allowing for a more effective and timely response.
“We will 100% use this in future situations,” said Vickery. “It’s a huge safety tool being able to quickly deploy this robot into a hazardous environment without having to put a person in harm’s way. I would much rather lose a robot than the life of a human.”
Story by Airman Joseph Curzi
14th Flying Training Wing