Robots and masks: Military gadgets displayed in UK

LONDON (AP) — Transformable robots and weight-distribution backpacks are among the cutting-edge gadgets on display at a London showcase for defense science and technology.

The government's Center for Defense Enterprise on Tuesday unveiled the latest gizmos being developed by small and medium-sized companies for use by Britain's troops.

They included thin-fabric keyboards for military uniforms and gunshot-detection systems for helmets. The show also featured a weight-distribution backpack fitted with special cooling panels and masks designed to maximize the efficiency of oxygen delivery.

Peter Luff, Minister for Defense Equipment, Support and Technology stressed the need to champion such firms to encourage and drive innovation.

Luff announced an additional 2 million pounds of funding for companies working on defense research.