# DHS Tests Responder Robotics in El Paso

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate assessed mobile ad hoc network (MANET) communications and a quadrupedal robot with first responders in El Paso, Texas, to evaluate performance and integration in operational settings. The assessment produced no solicitation, contract award, funding amount, or procurement timeline; its findings are intended to inform future research, development, and operational assessments of resilient communications and responder technologies.

- The work is relevant to suppliers of MANET communications, robotics, sensors, and systems designed to integrate with existing first-responder equipment.
- Companies can use the assessment’s operational focus to evaluate how their products perform alongside responder equipment and communications systems; the signal does not identify an active procurement opportunity or a required specification.
- The stated use of findings in future research and operational assessments indicates potential areas of continued federal interest, but no specific follow-on acquisition or schedule is announced.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Emergency Response
**Published:** October 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)

### Vendors
- Persistent Systems ()
- Silvus Technologies, Inc. ()
- RADēCO ()
- Boston Dynamics ()

### Sources
- [Feature Article: Advancing Autonomous Systems to Extend First Responders’ Reach | Homeland Security](https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2026/10/29/feature-article-advancing-autonomous-systems-extend-first-responders-reach) - Homeland Security (.gov)