The SWAT Robot is a device on wheels that has a camera and microphone attached. It has the ability to drive over debris and communicate with people in close range of the robot. The operator of the robot can monitor what the robot is doing from a safe distance, which makes this robot ideal to use in dangerous situations to ensure the safety of officers involved.

“The safety of our officers is top priority, so the fact that SCC is willing to give us something that could potentially save an officer from a dangerous situation is pretty amazing,” said Jackson County Sheriff Chip Hall. “We want to thank Scott Mitchell, his instructor Jim Falbo, and the mechatronics program at SCC for their generosity.”

Falbo, the coordinator of the mechatronics program and Mitchell’s teacher, is proud of the work they have accomplished.

“One of my previous job responsibilities before teaching was to operate and maintain bomb disposal robots in a nuclear plant,” said Falbo. “The skill sets that go into that kind of work transfer well with this project. I have a high respect for law enforcement and the risks they take every day. Systems like this are one more tool to try and keep them safe. When we can obtain the budget, I hope to work on another one in the future.”

For Mitchell, his chosen career field is challenging, but very rewarding.

“It was great to be a part in building something that is not only useful, but helps save lives,” said Mitchell. “It was frustrating at first, when coming across technical issues I had never dealt with before, but the final product made it worth it.”

Mitchell is set to graduate in May 2019.

For more information on the Mechatronics program at SCC, contact Jim Falbo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.southwesterncc.edu.