Robots are becoming more of a staple in the military, and this is a trend that is unlikely to slow in the near future (well, not at least until Skynet is active). The hazardous material sensing CUGV ("Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Unmanned Ground Vehicle") detects:
ammonia, chlorine, carbon monoxide, oxygen levels, lower explosive limits, volatile organic compounds, gamma radiation rate and dose rate, temperature and humidity
The robot would enter a questionable area first, and it would let the people know when a protective suit is required in the area. The end result is that lives are saved, and the military can do their job more efficiently. In a way, the robot is acting as a modern day canary in a coal mines, with the exception that it lives to sniff (and upgrade) again.
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