BEDFORD, Mass., Feb. 16, 2010 – iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT) today announced that it has delivered its 3,000th PackBot tactical mobile robot. First introduced in 2002, the iRobot PackBot allows warfighters and public safety professionals to investigate suspicious objects and other dangerous scenarios from a safe standoff distance.
“While this is an important milestone for iRobot, it also speaks volumes about the growing need for this technology on today’s battlefield,” said Joe Dyer, president of iRobot Government and Industrial Robots. “The investigation and disposal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), route clearance and reconnaissance all pose significant risks to our troops. These are, in fact, great jobs for a robot.” Dyer continued: “PackBot is battle-tested and is being used in an even wider variety of missions every day. Most importantly, it keeps our troops safe. This drives iRobot to continue enhancing its capabilities and to develop the next generation of robot technology.”
The iRobot PackBot has several modular configurations for a broad range of infantry support and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) missions. The robot uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cameras and sensors that stream video, audio and data back to the operator. The iRobot PackBot also features a game-style hand controller for faster training and easier operation in the field.
"We at the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RSJPO) are proud to be working with iRobot to provide our warfighters with the tools they need to accomplish their missions and return home safely," stated Lieutenant Colonel David Thompson, project manager, Robotic Systems Joint Project Office. "We appreciate the hard work of all our industry partners in providing the warfighter with these critical tools to extend the capabilities of our warfighters and allow them to better perform dangerous missions."
"This milestone is a testament to the superb dedication and service iRobot and all our industry partners are providing, and I expect many more milestones like this as our use of unmanned ground systems increases," added Major Kevin Schrock, assistant product manager for the iRobot 510 FasTac at the RSJPO. "We look forward to continuing to work with our industry partners to enhance robotics capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the warfighter."
For more information about iRobot Government and Industrial robots, please visit http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=109 or PackBot’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/iRobot-PackBot/63159741671.
About iRobot Corp.
iRobot designs and builds robots that make a difference. The company’s home robots help people find smarter ways to clean, and its government and industrial robots protect those in harm’s way. iRobot’s consumer and military robots feature iRobot Aware® robot intelligence systems, proprietary technology incorporating advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.
For iRobot Investors
Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, iRobot Corp.’s expectations concerning management's plans, objectives and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot Corp. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot Corp., see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contact:
Elise Caffrey
Investor Relations
iRobot Corp.
(781) 430-3003
ecaffrey@irobot.com
Nancy Smith
Media Relations
iRobot Corp.
(781) 430-3323
nsmith@irobot.com
