Robots deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan

[2RHPZ]

(Source: iRobot; issued June 2, 2004)

BURLINGTON, Mass. --- iRobot Corp., the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile robots, today announced deployment details for PackBot, a reconnaissance and tactical robot being used in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Today, over 50 PackBots are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The robots have assisted in dozens of reconnaissance missions to date, with only one PackBot lost in combat. PackBots search dangerous and inaccessible areas, acting as eyes and ears for soldiers and providing real-time intelligence while keeping soldiers out of harm’s way.
In addition, the Company announced it has opened a new office in Crystal City, a vital business center within view of the Pentagon. The new office will serve as a hub for the Government & Industrial Robotics division. iRobot devotes much of its research and development efforts to military applications, including explosive ordnance disposal and hazardous materials handling as well as reconnaissance and mine countermeasures.
“There is a real and immediate need for equipment that can handle risky operations such as searching hazardous areas and disabling explosive ordnance. Robots are ideally suited for these tasks because they extend the reach of U.S. soldiers while keeping them from imminent danger. Every PackBot deployment helps to spare soldiers from life-threatening situations,” said Colin Angle, chief executive officer of iRobot.
iRobot Chairman Helen Greiner added, “iRobot is deeply committed to making sure soldiers get the best possible equipment for working effectively in difficult conditions far from home. Rapid adoption of PackBots is one of the reasons we are increasing our investment in the manufacturing and logistical capabilities of our Government & Industrial Robotics division. This new office in Crystal City gives us a physical presence in a community where we already have strong ties.”
iRobot’s PackBot is the new standard in unmanned reconnaissance and tactical robots. It is a lightweight, rugged robot that can be carried and deployed by a single soldier. PackBot offers unprecedented mobility and durability -- it can be thrown into a building through a window, climb stairs, drop 20 feet and still function properly. The robot was originally developed under the Tactical Mobile Robotics program, which was sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

More details here............
http://www.packbot.com/

http://www.packbot.com/products/_img/products_02.jpg

[2RHPZ]

Robot with attitude: Armed with shotgun, WMD sensor

Special to World Tribune.com
GEOSTRATEGY-DIRECT.COM
Monday, August 16, 2004
The U.S. Army has been testing a robot armed with a pump-action shotgun for counter-insurgency missions. The unit has already seen action in Iraq.

In combat, the PackBot can be equipped with a pump-action shotgun system capable of recycling and remote firing. A soldier controls the robot through a joystick and receives streaming video from a front-mounted camera transmitting to a personal digital assistant, or PDA.

The PackBot also comes equipped with a nuclear, biological and chemical sensor package capable of detecting a wide range of NBC contaminants. An infrared camera lens enables the robot to operate in low-light conditions as well.

The PackBot has been tested by the 29th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga. as part of the unit's new experimental force platoon. The PackBot weighs about 40 pounds and is propelled by heavy-duty tracks. It has rotating, tracked arms that assist in propulsion and negotiation of obstacles.

The robot was introduced in Iraq in late June, officials said. The Army has also deployed advanced robot control systems with the 25th Infantry Division in Afghanistan.

[On Aug. 8, the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq announced that Iraqi security forces received "massive shipments" of weapons and material over the past week. The shipments for the Iraqi military and National Guard were said to have included more than 2,500 vehicles, 600 radios, 55,000 weapons and 25,000 pieces of body armor.]

Officials said one use of the PackBot has been to transport up to 30 pounds of munitions or medical supplies to personnel trapped under fire. The robot reportedly costs $42,000.

The PackBot has been operated through an advanced robot control system, officials said. The system allows for the remote control of different types of unmanned robotics elements and expands the communication capabilities from firing teams to higher echelons.