iRobot receives additional Army order

Bedford's iRobot Corp. announced it has received an additional US Army order totaling $17.5 million for robots that can scout battlefields and dispose of bombs.

(At right is an image of a military robot taken from iRobot's website.)

This is the fourth order under the $286 million contract that will deliver more than 220 additional robots to the Army by December 31, the company said.

"The robot included in this contract is the PackBot 510 with FasTac Kit, which will help warfighters investigate suspicious objects, identify roadside bombs, and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as uncover unexploded ordnance while keeping soldiers in theater at safe distances," iRobot said in a press release.

The release added: "The PackBot 510 represents the next generation of PackBot technology that increases overall robot speed by 30 percent, accelerates travel over tough terrains of rocks and mud to speeds of up to 5.6 miles per hour, and supports climbing grades of up to 60 degrees. Light enough for deployment by one warfighter, but strong enough to carry 30 pounds, the PackBot 510 leverages a digital modular architecture to support interchangeable, modular payload capabilities that address specific missions."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)