Army boosts counter-IED robot ranks
PackBot FasTac systems will increase safety and reduce risk to military personnel.
The U.S. Army’s Robotic Systems Joint Program Office awarded an estimated $30 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to iRobot for delivery of PackBot FasTac robotic systems. The systems will increase safety and reduce risk by allowing military personnel to investigate dangerous objects and environments from a safe distance.
The robots will be used in a variety of operations, including neutralizing roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices, screening vehicles and searching buildings, bunkers, caves and tunnels.
“iRobot is proud to provide robotic capabilities to help our warfighters accomplish their mission,” said Frank Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of iRobot’s defense and security business unit.
Deliveries are expected to be complete by the end of the fourth quarter of 2013. iRobot has delivered more than 5,000 robots to military and civil defense forces worldwide.
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