The Cerberus camera system, named after the three-headed guardian of the underworld, puts a "second head" on military or police dogs in order to "upgrade" them into scouts, surveillance units and other roles.
The digital canine video system is on display at London's Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition this week, where visitors can check out the equipment up close, reported Popular Science. Visual Engineering's harness-mounted camera only includes a microphone at first but can be upgraded to also include thermal imaging, HD cameras and an audio recorder. When activated by a handler, the camera, which usually lies flat against the dog's back, springs up instantly ready for use. Adding to its versatility, the device, which is battery-powered, can be activated from up to 1,600 feet away and the video caught by the camera can be viewed through a handheld receiver.
Dogs have been used by both authorities and the military for quite some time, and that work has expanded from simple guard duty to include drug detection and bomb sniffing. The use of a camera allows surveillance on areas that humans can't access, as well as providing the ability to live stream events, allowing the handler to see ambushers or other crucial pieces of information. After finding any relevant information, the handler can use the attached microphone to call the canine back without giving its position.
While the camera system would only give the dog one extra head, technically making it an orthrus, the addition of the handler behind the scenes makes the combination a triple-headed threat.
To see the specs of the Cerberus camera system, click HERE.
