A 96th Civil Engineer Squadron robotics team member manually operates a large robotic excavator, the “John Deere 690D,” before leaving it to remotely dig via operators in a trailer a safe distance away from the test site Sept. 9. Their modified vehicles are designed for remote manipulation of hazardous items using hydraulically actuated “arm” manipulators. The arms have reasonably high dexterity, enough to use a screwdriver and other tools, while having enough power to roll a car. The controllers for the robotic arms follow along the operator’s arm virtually in a trailer set approximately a mile from the site for safety. (U.S. Air Force photo/Chrissy Cuttita)