DHS Tests Robots and Radios for Dangerous Missions
The Homeland Security Department assessed body-worn radio networks and quadrupedal robots in El Paso, Texas, to improve communications and reduce risk to personnel.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Robotics
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The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate conducted field assessments in El Paso, Texas, of tactical communications systems and robotic platforms. Evaluators tested body-worn mobile ad hoc networks from Persistent Systems and Silvus Technologies alongside land mobile radio equipment.
Why it matters
Responders often lose radio coverage inside buildings and face risks when entering hazardous locations. The assessments aim to identify technology that keeps communications working and reduces the need to send personnel into danger.
The RADēCO Cerberus, built on Boston Dynamics' Spot robot, was evaluated for mobility, payload capacity, sensor integration and communications performance. Evaluators also tested transport of the Cerberus by UH-60 helicopter, and the source does not report measured results.
The players
Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate
The DHS research arm that develops and tests technologies for homeland security missions, including communications and robotics for first responders.
Byung Hee Kim
A DHS S&T program manager who said the assessments addressed unreliable radio coverage inside buildings and the risks of sending personnel into hazardous locations.
Persistent Systems
A commercial communications company whose body-worn MANET system was evaluated in the El Paso assessments.
Silvus Technologies
A wireless communications company whose body-worn MANET system was evaluated in the El Paso assessments.
The details
Evaluators connected MANET and LMR equipment using Radio Over Internet Protocol and successfully transmitted communications between them. The work was coordinated by DHS S&T's REDOPS and RAPTOR teams and hosted by ICE's Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Special Response Team and HSI-Direct Action Group.
Timeline
December 2025: National Urban Security Technology Laboratory ran a four-day SAVER assessment of three commercial UGVs.
October 2026: DHS posted a TACTICS tactical communications request for information on SAM.gov.
Nov. 4, noon EST: Deadline for submitting technical category 1 capability matrix.
Nov. 10: Potomac Officers Club 2026 Homeland Security Summit.
Under the Hood
The Cerberus extends Boston Dynamics' Spot quadrupedal platform into federal tactical response work, following the use of commercial legged robots by public safety agencies. The evaluation tests whether such platforms can carry the sensors and communications gear that responders need.
Improved radio coverage inside buildings could mean clearer communication for first responders during emergencies. Robots that enter hazardous spaces first may reduce the number of personnel exposed to danger, although the assessments have not yet produced procurement decisions.
The takeaway
Testing commercial radios and robots under realistic conditions shows how federal agencies are weighing technology against the risks of field operations. Responders and taxpayers alike will watch whether these evaluations lead to practical tools.
What happens next
The technical category 1 capability matrix for the TACTICS program is due Nov. 4 at noon EST, and the Potomac Officers Club Homeland Security Summit takes place Nov. 10.
Further reading
Explore more robotics coverage for context on how public safety agencies are adopting unmanned ground vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
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