An initial order has been placed for 103 PackBot MTRS robots at a value of $12.1 million. iRobot could deliver up to 1,200 robots through 2012 under the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.

"There is an urgent need for technology that can address improvised explosive devices and other deadly ordnance on the battlefield," said CDR Scott Stuart of Program Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal, PEO-LMW.

"The Man Transportable Robotic System has proven its life-saving value on the battlefield, and we are increasing production to counter the threats that our EOD forces face."

The PackBot MTRS is custom-built to NAVSEA's specifications using the combat-proven PackBot Explosive Ordnance Device (EOD) robot as a platform.

Already deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, PackBot EOD is a rugged, lightweight robot designed to conduct explosive ordnance disposal and handle hazardous materials, search-and-surveillance and other vital tasks for military units and bomb squads.

"U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are faced with increasingly sophisticated improvised explosive devices," said Vice Admiral Joe Dyer (U.S. Navy, Ret.), executive vice president and general manager of iRobot Government & Industrial Robots.

"The PackBot MTRS robot is designed to enable EOD forces to confront and render harmless these deadly explosives from a safe distance, whether on the battlefield or, potentially, in homeland security situations."

The PackBot MTRS is specially equipped with a variety of tools and sensors to allow EOD technicians to perform reconnaissance and disrupt unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices from a safe distance. In addition to the PackBot MTRS robots, the contract includes associated repair parts, logistics, training and support.

Related Links
iRobot
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express