iRobot contracted for PackBot spare parts

BEDFORD, Mass., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted iRobot Corp. to provide spare parts and maintenance support for the company's PackBot line of military robots.

The $2.1 million order, from the Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, is the first order as part of a $200 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with the Army.

Officials say Massachusetts-based iRobot will supply spare parts and provide service for the PackBot military robot used by soldiers in combat zones to dispose of explosive ordnance from a safe distance.

"The PackBot is playing a critical role in a growing number of military missions," Joe Dyer, iRobot Government and Industrial Robots president, said in a statement.

"These repairs and the delivery of spare parts will ensure that our robots stay on the battlefield, keeping our troops safe as they fight overseas."