Scientists on the Wrocław University of Science and Technology are creating protective helmets and vests for service dogs utilized in army, police and rescue operations, with the primary helmets set to enter the market this month.
Researchers from the college’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering have spent the previous two years designing ballistic safety programs by means of their startup, Astriva. After initially creating protective vests for service animals on the request of uniformed providers, the group expanded the mission to incorporate specialised canine helmets, in line with a college press launch.
The examined helmet prototypes are scheduled for official launch in June 2026. The mission is being supported by the Wroclaw Centre for Technology Transfer, which is aiding with implementation, licensing and commercialisation.
Researchers mentioned rising demand for protective tools displays rising concern for the welfare of service animals working in hazardous environments.
“This has both ethical and economic significance, as training such dogs costs tens of thousands and require many months of work for the handler,” the scientists clarify.
The tools is custom-designed for every animal based mostly on its construct and operational necessities.
“We select materials and solutions depending on whether the dog is exposed to contact with sharp objects, knife or firearm attacks, or long swimming sessions,” mentioned Karina Krawiec, who based Astriva with Dariusz Pyka, PhD, and Jakub Słowiński, PhD.
Krawiec mentioned the vest is designed as a harness and could be fitted with totally different protective inserts relying on the canine’s function.
“She added that the vest is designed as a harness, and the handler can choose a protective insert against sharp objects, a ballistic insert, or a buoyancy insert.”
The researchers mentioned {custom} becoming is important to make sure each safety and freedom of motion.
“The best fitting method is to give the finished prototype to the dog’s handler for a month or two of testing. The prototype returns to us with comments on any elements that require corrections, and after the corrections, there are another two to three months of final testing, so that the finished product meets its requirements for several years of the dog’s service,” Pyka explains.
One of the mission evaluators is Senior Warrant Officer (Reserve) Paweł “Domel” Domański, a former operator in Poland’s Military Commando Unit who spent six years dealing with fight dogs.
“As experienced dog handlers, we know what threats to expect and what is needed. And the researchers take our experience into account and translate it into specific solutions,” Domański emphasises.
He mentioned tools necessities fluctuate relying on the canine’s mission.
“A military dog often has to cover many kilometres in difficult terrain before performing its task. Therefore, its equipment, including ballistic vests, should be as lightweight as possible, ensuring freedom of movement and durability during prolonged exertion. A police dog, on the other hand, typically arrives at the scene by vehicle and performs tasks over a shorter distance and in a shorter time, so it can use a heavier vest that provides better protection.”
Astriva was based in 2024 with help from the Academic Business Incubator of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. (PAP)
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