This is another example of EM&E Group’s commitment to protecting the operator and offering the latest technology in the robotic field.
CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats are rapidly evolving in both sophistication and accessibility driven by scientific advances, developments in technology and a complex global security landscape. Whether resulting from a deliberate attack, an unintended release or a natural disaster these threats pose severe risks to public health, the environment, and national security.
In such scenarios, the speed, safety, and accuracy of the response often determine the difference between containment and escalation. Yet the very first step in the response chain, sample collection, still forces personnel into contaminated zones, constrained by heavy protective suits, moving slowly and at great risk. Despite progress in CBRN detection and analysis, sampling remains one of the least modernised tasks.
EM&E Group, in close collaboration with the Spanish Army, set out to break this pattern. The result is the aunav.CBRS Vehicle Sample Collection Kit – a system that shifts this dangerous mission from human hands to a robotic arm operated safely from inside the vehicle, automating both collection and storage. It enables the collection of up to eight solids, powders, liquids, and water samples in a sealed and refrigerated container, reducing operator exposure and providing access to environments that would otherwise be too dangerous for human operators.
To achieve this, the system brings together three primary components, each designed to complement the others in delivering safe and efficient field sampling:
- Robotic Arm – A precise 7° DoF electrical arm capable of both automated and manual movements, including gripper and turret-based control. It integrates an EO/IR dual-band filter camera and a distance sensor.
- Sample Container – Airtight and refrigerated from 4 to 8°C, capable of storing up to eight samples while preventing cross-contamination.
- Sampling Tools – Four different sampling tools designed for solids, liquids, powders, and water.
The system’s compact design allows full integration at the rear of a CBRN vehicle without compromising mobility or performance, making it suitable for both urban and off-road operations. In addition, the system is certified according to IP66 standards and withstands dust, high-pressure water, and harsh operational conditions.
Once in the field, the kit standardizes the sample collection procedure into five automated steps, reducing operator workload, minimizing risks and accelerating execution:
1 – DEPLOY THE ROBOTIC ARM:
Pressing the unfold bottom extends the robotic arm automatically.
2 – SELECT A SAMPLING TOOL:
The operator selects a tool via the interface and the arm automatically retrieves it from its slot.
3 – COLLECT THE SAMPLE:
The arm positions the tool near the target using pre-set positions to minimize collision risks. The operator then by using the gripper and turret-based movement can control the end-effector or turret movement based on the relative position of the gripper or turret in its 3 axes of reference and the rest of the arm adjusts its links simultaneously to perform the movement for the collection of the sample.
4 – STORE THE TOOL:
After collection, the arm returns the tool to its designated slot using pre-set movements. The operator then manually inserts the tool and secures it. The system includes an adjustable locking mechanism, ensuring tools are secured and aligned correctly.
5 – FOLD THE ROBOTIC ARM:
Pressing the fold button retracts the arm automatically into a safe position.
As a result of the combined technology, the aunav.CBRS Vehicle Sampling Kit delivers a set of operational advantages that directly address the challenges of CBRN sample collection:
- Enhanced Safety: Remote operation eliminates direct exposure to hazardous environments.
- Versatility: Four interchangeable tools adapt to diverse material states.
- Integrity: Temperature-controlled, airtight containers preserve samples for laboratory analysis.
- Efficiency: Automated presets accelerate deployment and reduce operator workload.
- Compactness: Full integration without compromising vehicle performance.
Ultimately, the aunav.CBRS Vehicle Sampling Kit transforms what was once a high-risk manual task into a controlled, repeatable, and secure process providing field teams with the tools they need to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively, regardless of the operational environment. ■
ABOUT EM&E GROUP
EM&E Group is a leading Spanish group in the engineering and manufacturing of complex Defense and Security systems, distinguished by its high investment in innovation, its commitment to job creation, and the development of dual technologies, with a special interest in incorporating AI into its solutions. The group’s systems include remote land and naval stations, ammunition guidance systems, electro-optical surveillance sensors, and robotic systems, among others. In addition, the group has a subsidiary, EM&E Electronics, focused on developing electronics and photonics. With solutions in more than 25 countries, EM&E Group posted a turnover of over €355 million in 2024 and currently employs over 1,700people.
Find out more at: https://eme-es.com/
Download PDF: 61-64 – Aunav – EM&E Robotics Division article – COUNTER-IED REPORT, Autumn 2025
Counter-IED Report, Autumn 2025