The latest model of the machine designed and built by the Development Technology
Workshop in Torrington Avenue, Tile Hill, has just been shipped to the American army for
trials.
Defence officials ordered it as part of a review of the best ways of clearing landmines
following a conflict.
Once the army has finished evaluating it the machine will be passed on to an
organisation involved in clearing mines in one of the countries hit by civil war.
DTW Technical Manager Mick Prince said the dangers of landmines had been emphasised by
the recent floods in Mozambique.
Acres of land which had been cleared are now blighted because the floodwaters moved
millions of tonnes of mud.
It means that the agencies that have worked for years to cut the number of injuries and
deaths from landmines must now start all over again.
Mr Prince said:
"It brings home the fact that it only takes one landmine in ten square miles to
throw your confidence.
"If people cannot be sure that the land is safe then they will not use it.
"The problem in Mozambique had been contained. They were developing the economy
and the numbers of injuries from landmines had fallen."
