BEDFORD, Mass., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has given iRobot Corp. a $20.3 million order for 125 PackBot Man Transportable Robotic Systems used in clearance of improvised explosive devices.
iRobot, headquartered in Massachusetts, said the stand-alone order came from the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command.
The iRobot 510 PackBot is one of the most successful battle-tested robots in the world, the company said in a news release, and is being used by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to identify and neutralize roadside bombs, car bombs and other improvised explosive devices.
The product is also ideal for other missions, including reconnaissance and route clearance, the company said.
According to the U.S. military, improvised explosive devices are the single-most cause of death and injury to troops in those countries.
"Robots have consistently proven their worth on the battlefield," said Joe Dyer, president of iRobot's Government and Industrial Robots division. "As roadside bombs and similar devices remain a constant threat in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is crucial that we continue outfitting our troops with tools to ensure they stay as safe as possible."
