The use of advanced robotics in public safety and military bomb squad communities has grown significantly over the past few decades. As technology increases, bomb technicians need to better understand capabilities and limitations of these systems in order to align industry research and development (R&D) with needs of responders based on real world applications. The NRR brings together experienced operators from military and public safety bomb squads to evaluate new and emerging robotic capabilities in real world operating environments. In partnership, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC); the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Office for Bombing Prevention (DHS CISA OBP); the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD), Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), and the United Kingdom Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (UK-Dstl) is sponsoring the 7th annual NRR. The event is hosted at the Harris County Fire Marshall’s Office, near Houston, Texas with support of the United States Bomb Technicians Association (USBTA).

The NRR exposes active members of military and public safety bomb squads to new products and technology, while providing real-time feedback (i.e., as part of an Operational Evaluation) to event facilitators sponsors and supporting vendors. Captain Eric Correll, NSWC IHD Commanding Officer, “While all EOD operators and bomb technicians who attended this event took part in some well-deserved competition and camaraderie, the experience and lessons learned from all involved primes EOD and bomb technician training and technology for the future. Events such as the NRR combine the operator with the latest in EOD technology, creating user feedback and data collection that readies all partners for real-world and future EOD scenarios.” This multi-agency event provides opportunities for participants to network with other bomb technicians and exchange information on tactics, techniques, and procedures.