Army orders more micro-robots

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EDINA, Minn., June 27 (UPI) -- ReconRobotics Inc. is producing as many as 1,000 miniature, throwable and mobile robots for the U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force.

The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, worth $13.9 million, will streamline the purchasing and delivery of the robots and accessories for Army and U.S. Marine personnel deploying to Afghanistan, the company said.

"For several years, our micro-robot systems have played a key role in protecting the lives of our soldiers and Marines as they conduct operations in active combat theaters," said Ernest Langdon, director of Military Programs for ReconRobotics.

"We are honored that the Rapid Equipping Force has once again selected ReconRobotics to deliver this unique capability to those warfighters at the tip of the spear."

The micro-robots, used by small fire teams, provide immediate tactical reconnaissance in urban operations and are also used in surveillance and counter-IED roles.

ReconRobotics said it has already begun delivering the first order under the new contract for 84 robots.

The company's Recon Scout micro-robots are extremely small and can be thrown as far as 120 feet to begin their mission. The newest micro-robot, the Throwbot XT, can be carried in a pocket and provides both audio eavesdropping capabilities and video reconnaissance.