Landmine excabator and neutralizer and related methods

Abstract

Clearing landmines is a dangerous activity and the danger is increased when trying to clear a landmine without triggering an explosion. An excavator for landmines is provided, which includes a first actuator that vertically moves a mounting plate. Two or more secondary actuators are mounted to the mounting plate, and each of the secondary actuators are able to extend and retract a tool. Each respective tool has drill bits or prongs for penetrating a ground surface. A neutralizer is also provided, and it includes: a robotic clamp to grip a landmine and to reposition the same; a cutting tool to cut an opening into the landmine; a steaming module to eject steam into the opening; and a catcher to collect melted explosive material that exits the landmine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.