iRobot Corp.  has announced a $20.3 million order from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

 

The deal calls for iRobot to deliver 125 PackBot Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) robots, as well as spare parts. The company will also provide repairs if needed.

 

The MTRS is modeled after the iRobot 510 PackBot (see image), the company's battle-tested robot that is currently being used in both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation to conduct dangerous missions from safe distances.

 

The units have proven themselves adept at handling such dangerous tasks as identifying and neutralizing roadside bombs, car bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The robot warriors are also being used for reconnaissance and other forward positioned missions.

 

According to Joe Dyer, president of iRobot's Government and Industrial Robots division, "Robots have consistently proven their worth on the battlefield. The iRobot PackBot is saving lives, and we are honored to be providing this technology to the military."