Stockach – In September, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) hosted an exclusive Technology Workshop focused on addressing pressing challenges when dealing with all aspects of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). Innovations in mine clearance, geophysical survey applications, Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) in an urban setting and training future experts in the field were on the agenda.
The symposium brought together experts from Europe, Africa, the United States of America and the Middle East. Attendees weathered the rain to witness demonstrations of GCS' various mechanical systems. The efficacy of the GCS-100 and GCS-200 was observed at the company's test facility. "We believe one must link operational challenges with technological solutions to mitigate the threats from explosive devices," said CEO, Philipp von Michaelis.
Engineers exhibited the operation of these remote-controlled machines and the speed at which related attachments can be switched. Devices such as the M-100 manipulator, with SST-100 shears spreader tools, showed their ability to conduct render-safe procedures on a victim-operated Improvised Explosive Device (IED). While the dozer blade, which is integrated into the M-100 manipulator, proved its ability to move items weighing up to 1.3 tons.
“Germany’s Federal Police have recently donated at least one GCS-100 to the Ukraine National Police Force. This order underlines GCS’ technological ingenuity and commitment to advancing ERW clearance and IEDD services.”
Back at the conference room, attendees paid close attention as Brimstone and Ebinger presented developments relating to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones and the next generation of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) detection technology. Insights about GCS' operations in urban area clearance currently taking place in Iraq were also presented. While humanitarian organisations such as Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The Halo Trust shared case studies relating to their work in Lebanon and Ukraine.
“The GCS workshop struck the perfect balance between informative and interactive. The workshop sessions were engaging, interesting, and well-organized and provided a great opportunity to share experiences,” quoted a participant.
GCS’ demining platforms being exhibited at this year’s Technology Workshop.
In ongoing efforts to clear UXO and IEDs, Germany's Federal Police have recently donated at least one GCS-100 to the Ukraine National Police Force. This order underlines GCS' technological ingenuity and commitment to advancing ERW clearance and IEDD services. Which was the end goal of this year's Technology Workshop – to strengthen collaborations and ultimately reduce the number of possible casualties caused by ERW.