QinetiQ awarded deal for more Talon robots

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Department has contracted QinetiQ North America for the company to supply additional robot technologies to counter roadside bombs.

U.S. company QinetiQ North America says a subsidiary of its Technology Solutions Group, Foster-Miller, was awarded the contract. Under the $58.5 million contract administered by the military's Robotic Systems Joint Program Office, Foster-Miller will supply the Navy and Army with its Talon robots and spare parts.

Foster-Miller's Talon robot, widely deployed in the Iraq and Afghanistan combat theaters, is used to detect and disable roadside bombs while keeping soldiers at a safe distance.

"Talon continues to play a vital role in the defeat of roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices in Iraq and Afghanistan," William Ribich, Technology Solutions Group president, said in a statement.

"We're pleased that the partnership of soldier and Talon is proving to be so durable and successful."