One of the primary functions of both Air Force Special Weapons Center and AFWL was nuclear safety and surety. In 1962, AFSWC developed the Shielded Remote Handling Vehicle or "Beetle," a direct or remotely controlled device designed to assist in handling and recovering nuclear material. This would form the basis for future bomb disposal robots used by law enforcement and the military.
Image Credit: AFRL PRS History Office and Archives, Kirtland AFB NM