ReconRobotics, Inc, a leading manufacturer of military utility micro-robot kits, announced today that it has been awarded a $4.8 million contract from the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force for 315 Recon Scout XT micro-robot kits and an equal number of SearchStickTM devices. The SearchStick enables warfighters to convert any Recon Scout Throwbot into a pole camera, which warfighters can use to see over compound walls, onto rooftops and into culverts. ReconRobotics plans to complete deliveries of these micro-robot systems by October 31, 2011.
Robot World News: Micro-Robot Systems for Better Combat Performance
The U.S. Army has ordered another 315 Recon Scout XT kits for dismounted fire teams. These 1-lb personal robots protect soldiers by providing immediate situational awareness and greater standoff distance during close quarter combat.
“The era of the personal robot has arrived for U.S. troops and, like the ballistic vest and night vision goggles, our Recon Scout XTs will save many lives,” said Ernest Langdon, Director of Military Programs for ReconRobotics. “We are extremely proud that the U.S. military has chosen ReconRobotics to help protect our warfighters as they conduct dismounted operations in theatre.”
Recon Scout XT micro-robot systems are deployed at the fire-team level – i.e., one micro-robot for each four- to six-man fire team – to maximize situational awareness and engagement distance during route- and compound-clearing operations. More than 2,000 of the company’s Recon Scout systems have been deployed by the U.S. military and international friendly forces, and by hundreds of law enforcement agencies, worldwide. Warfighters use the Recon Scout system to determine the layout of the enclosed spaces, identify potential IEDs and the fix the location of friendly, indigenous or enemy personnel.
The company’s Recon Scout XT weighs just 1.2lbs (540g), and yet it can be deployed in five seconds and thrown up to 120 feet (36m). Highly regarded for its simplicity and durability, the XT can be controlled with a single button and can be recharged in the field using standard 5590 or 2590 batteries.
ReconRobotics, Inc: Micro-Robot Systems for Military Use
ReconRobotics is the world leader in tactical, micro-robot systems. The company’s Recon Scout Throwbot micro-robot system saves lives by providing immediate situational awareness and greater standoff distance to warfighters and law enforcement personnel. These capabilities protect personnel from hidden threats, enhance mission planning and execution, and minimize collateral damage. The company was formed in 2006 to commercialize robotics technology developed at the University of Minnesota Distributed Robotics Laboratory under funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). ReconRobotics is based in Edina, Minnesota, USA and markets its military robot products including the mentioned micro-robot systems through a distribution network in 33 countries.
