The U.S. Army recently awarded a $10 million contract to iRobot Corp to help keep its tiny, bomb-disposal robots running on the battlefield.
The Army’s Robotic Systems Joint Program Office awarded the Oct. 15 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for maintenance training and spare parts for the iRobot 310 SUVG, a man-portable robot designed to enter areas that are inaccessible or too dangerous for people, providing state-of-the-art technology for infantry troops, combat engineers and explosive ordnance technicians.
An initial $2 million order under the contract for spares has also been placed. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed this fall.
In addition, iRobot has received a $3.7 million order for heads-down controllers. The handheld controller includes a 5.6” LCD display screen that is sunlight readable.
“We are delivering the heads-down controller in response to specific requests from the field,” said Frank Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of iRobot’s Defense & Security business unit, a recent press release. “This easy to use controller provides the operator with a high degree of situational awareness while conducting dangerous missions.”
iRobot Corp. has delivered more than 5,000 robots to military and civil defense forces, iRobot officials maintain.
“iRobot is pleased to continue its partnership with the Army to provide world-class robotic capabilities that help keep our warfighters out of harm’s way,” Wilson.
