HDT Engineered Technologies, or “HDT,” a provider mobile military and emergency response solutions,unveiled its new technologically-advanced robotic arm, the MK1, at the National Defense Industrial Association’s, or “NDIA,” Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference.

This robotic arm, as stated was created for hazardous missions such as explosive ordnance disposal for the military and homeland defense. Moreover, it is aimed at offering users with more advanced capabilities than what is currently available on the market.

“The capabilities of the MK1 are remarkable,” said Tom Van Doren, vice president of Robotics Systems for HDT. “The technology our team put into this arm is so innovative because we’ve incorporated components and software that allows this system to exceed established weight, performance and power requirements for defense and homeland security uses.”

With dexterity and strength approaching that of a human, the MK1 is said to allow the user to grasp and manipulate objects by incorporating eleven actuated degrees of freedom and seventeen articulated joints. The arm and wrist consist of five separate modules with seven degrees of freedom, and the three-finger hand uses four actuators to drive 10 articulated joints.

Moreover, with HDT’s high-degree-of-freedom joystick, all arm joints can be controlled simultaneously, providing fluidity of motion as well as grasp and manipulation capabilities exceeding those of other robotic arms currently fielded. The MK1 arm system weighs only 14.5 pounds, yet has a load capacity of more than 50 pounds.

“The HDT team is excited to showcase the MK1 among the people who will benefit most from its capabilities. I am extremely proud of the work that has been put into this product and look forward to seeing its impact on those that will benefit from it,” said Vince Nardy, CEO at HDT.