LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County’s Department of Emergency Services is testing a new high-tech addition to its hazardous materials response team: a quadruped robot named Haz-Mut.
Currently in a trial phase in Charles County, the robot is being tested for its ability to support emergency crews by conducting reconnaissance in dangerous environments, remotely metering potentially hazardous substances and generating 3D maps of unstable areas. These four-legged, remotely operated robots are built to navigate hazardous terrain, access structurally unstable environments and perform tasks that would otherwise place human responders at risk.
“We’re currently fostering Haz-Mut while we decide if we’re ready to make the relationship permanent — but so far, this little beast is proving to be a loyal asset and a total workhorse (without the shedding),” the department said on its Facebook page.
Residents may see Haz-Mut in action at emergency scenes and public safety events across the county as testing continues.
About the Robot
Haz-Mut appears to be a Unitree Go2, a four-legged robotic platform built for inspection, reconnaissance and autonomous mobility in complex environments. Weighing approximately 33 pounds, the robot is capable of speeds up to 5 meters per second (approximately 11 mph), can climb stairs, recover from falls and traverse uneven or hazardous terrain.
The Go2 comes equipped with multiple onboard sensors, including:
- Depth cameras and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for balance and navigation
- Ultrasonic sensors and an AI processor for obstacle detection and movement planning
- Optional LiDAR or GPS integration for autonomous mapping and outdoor operations
The robot can be operated via a mobile device, controller or programmed for semi-autonomous missions. With a runtime of up to two hours, the Go2 supports modular payloads, allowing emergency teams to equip it with tools such as gas detectors, radiation meters or communication beacons.
Designed for agility and real-time data delivery, the Go2 is increasingly used by public safety agencies, universities and industrial teams for scenarios where human entry would pose a risk.
Broader Use of Robotic Hazmat Responders
Haz-Mut represents a growing shift among emergency response agencies toward robotic support tools. Quadruped robots like this are increasingly being used by public safety departments in major cities, including New York and Los Angeles, to enhance situational awareness in high-risk scenarios.
From chemical spills and bomb threats to disaster response and confined-space inspections, these robots allow teams to assess environments remotely — improving responder safety and operational efficiency.
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