If you’ve heard of the robot MAC, the anti-terrorism robot made by Mapua that is currently owned (being used?) by Makati PNP, then here’s an update about that high-tech bomb squad member. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shows interests on the project and is willing to fund it P1.7M.

The budget of course will be used to make the Philippine robot advanced. Based on Inquirer’s report, the developer John Judilla from Mapua said that upgrades on the robot will be made. The MAC robot will soon use lighter Lithium polymer batteries and fiber glass for body frame to make it lighter. They will also make adjustment to the robot to make it work underwater (in case some terrorist plants a bomb one of the yachts docked in Manila Bay).

The MAC anti-terrorism robot recently won the First World Cup of Computer-Implemented Inventions in Shanghai, China.

Looks like the government is finally realizing that the country needs to be high-tech.

RP’s Very Own MAC, First Anti-Terror Robot

The name might not exactly scare criminals away but Philippine’s first anti-terror robot dubbed as MAC is serious and very much equipped in foiling bomb attacks in the metro (or at least that’s what Makati City’s press release say).

MAC or short for Mechanical Anti-terrorist Concept is the first Pinoy-made bomb disposal robot. It was developed by students and engineering professors and of the Mapua Institute of Technology or MIT (glad they came up with something even they’re not among the top universities in the Philippines). MAC is two feet tall and he is basically made of aluminium and fiberglass.

MAC can examine and recover a suspected explosive away from the public, a necessary step in bomb disposal and disarmament.

The robot can be controlled thru a wireless interface. It has standard robot movements and capabilities. It is also backed by night vision cameras.

Details and photos courtesy of Inquirer.