Integrated Raman sensor smart robot for swift and remote on-site forensic analysis

We have developed a miniaturized tele-operated unmanned ground imagery robot integrated with Raman Spectroscopy to allow forensic officers to gain early access to a hazardous scene to gather forensic evidence during the golden hour. This multi-terrain robot (named Seeker) has a dimension of 36 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 12 cm (H) and is designed for use in both open and confined spaces. The Raman spectroscopy module, which measures 17 cm (L) x 17 cm (W) x10 cm (H), consists of an 830 nm excitation laser, a compact non-cooled spectrometer, and an optical fiber probe. Feasibility tests were carried out on Seeker to remotely obtain Raman spectra of sulfur and trinitrotoluene (TNT) on spiked debris.