The Avatar Tactical Robot from Robotex is made to enhance the capabilities of tactical response teams by allowing them to quickly and safely inspect dangerous situations before sending in officers. Sgt. Sean Burke, team leader for Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Special Enforcement Bureau, says his team has used the Avatar with "excellent results."

"It allowed my team to search for a barricaded suspect, who shot at us several times, without having to place my teammates into harm's way," Burke says. "When it came time to make an entry, the Avatar robot provided constant video surveillance of several closed doors, giving our team real time intelligence if the suspect emerged."

This remotely controlled robot can navigate varying terrain, including stairs, sand, clothing, and grass. It also features two-way audio and video recording capability.

"As the team leader in charge of the robotics/technology cadre, I can say that the Robotex Avatar has also proved to be our most reliable robot to date. The Avatar robot is simple to operate and easy to control, and it proved to be a welcome addition to our overall capabilities."

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared in POLICE Magazine.