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Northrop Grumman to Develop Advanced Unmanned Helicopter for U.S. Navy - Apr 25, 2012

Northrop, Navy Complete Autonomous Aerial Refueling Tests - Jan 27, 2012

Defense Department Gets a Good Look at Argus One - Jan 17, 2012

Northrop Global Hawk Makes Historic Flight - Mar 08, 2010

IAI Heron Officially Joins Israel's Air Force - Feb 25, 2010

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Northrop, Navy Complete Autonomous Aerial Refueling Tests - Jan 27, 2012

Northrop Global Hawk Makes Historic Flight - Mar 08, 2010

Fire Scout Tests Autonomous Resupply Mission - Feb 18, 2010

Northrop Grumman Tests Ground Control Station for Unmanned Helicopter System - Oct 12, 2009

Defense Department Gets a Good Look at Argus One - Jan 17, 2012

NASA Global Hawk Soars Over the Pacific - Jun 14, 2010

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Dave Clark, Amazon.com’s vice president, global customer fulfillment, pointed to the fact that Kiva shares Amazon’s passion for invention as a key ingredient to the new partnership. “Amazon has long used automation in its fulfillment centers, and Kiva’s technology is another way to improve productivity by bringing the products directly to employees to pick, pack and stow,” he said.

“For the past ten years, the Kiva team has been focused on creating innovative material handling technologies,” said Mick Mountz, CEO and founder of Kiva Systems. “I’m delighted that Amazon is supporting our growth so that we can provide even more valuable solutions in the coming years.”

Kiva Systems’ headquarters will remain in North Reading, Massachusetts.

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FANUC Expands Assembly Robot Line - Jan 14, 2010

Northrop Grumman to Develop Advanced Unmanned Helicopter for U.S. Navy - Apr 25, 2012

Liquid Robotics Gliders Set World Record for Unmanned Ocean Travel - Mar 13, 2012

iRobot Nets Order for FirstLook Robots - Mar 06, 2012

iRobot Secures 100th Patent - Feb 22, 2012

Bluefin Robotics to Jointly Develop UUV - Feb 22, 2012

iRobot Announces Record Results - Feb 09, 2012

iRobot Takes Minority Stake in Telemedicine Firm - Feb 01, 2012

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Well today, the gliders have achieved a significant milestone, arriving in Hawaii, completing the first leg of their trans-Pacific trek. The distance covered to date is over 3,200 nautical miles, which handily beats the old Guinness Book World record of 2,500 nautical miles.

The Wave Gliders, which are a part of the PacX Challenge, were developed by Liquid Robotics. What sets them apart from other unmanned underwater vehicles is their ability to utilize the ocean’s endless supply of wave energy for propulsion (no manpower, no emissions, no refueling). According to the Liquid Robotics Web site, “…a unique two-part architecture and wing system directly converts wave motion into thrust, and solar panels provide electricity for sensor payloads.”

The Wave Glider is also effective at collecting and transmitting data gathered during extended missions, over great distances, or while holding station.

Edward Lu, Chief of Innovative Applications at Liquid Robotics has reason to be excited by the achievement. “We are proud our PacX Wave Gliders have reached their first destination and broken the world record,” he said. “I have no doubt new ocean discoveries, insights, and applications will emerge from the PacX data set. PacX represents a new model for providing widespread and easy access to environmental monitoring of the world’s oceans, one in which Liquid Robotics operates fleets of mobile, autonomous ocean robots across previously inaccessible areas of the ocean.”

After a quick examination, the PacX Wave Gliders will continue on their final journeys to Australia and Japan. One team of Wave Gliders will cross the Mariana Trench and battle the Kuroshio Current on their way to Japan. The second team will cross the equator on their way to Australia.

Arrival at their respective destinations is expected to occur in late 2012 or early 2013.

Further information about the PacX Challenge, the Wave Gliders and the PacX Challenge grand prize, is available at the PacX Web site.

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Bluefin Robotics to Jointly Develop UUV - Feb 22, 2012

Robotic Pitchers and Catchers - A Sure Sign of Spring? - Jan 30, 2012

iRobot Receives a Pair of Contracts from the U.S. Navy - Oct 27, 2010

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According to an official press release hailing the news, OMAP is a:

…high-performing, ultra-power-efficient system-on-chip (SOC) that’s smaller than a dime… and …the platform’s smart multicore architecture sends processing tasks to cores and engines that can best do the job using the least amount of power possible.

Texas Instruments provides several advanced features on the platform, such as sophisticated image and video accelerators.

Last week TI updated its business outlook for the first quarter of 2012, narrowing and lowering its expected ranges for revenue and earnings per share (EPS). The company pointed to lower demand for Wireless products as the reason.

According to TI, they currently expect financial results to be within the following ranges:

Revenue: $2.99 – 3.11 billion compared with the prior range of $3.02 – 3.28 billion

EPS: $0.15 – 0.19 compared with the prior range of $0.16 – 0.24.

iRobot has delivered over 4,500 combat proven robots to military and civil defense forces worldwide. The company has also sold over 7.5 million home robots including the popular Roomba and Scooba models.

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iRobot Nets Order for FirstLook Robots - Mar 06, 2012

iRobot Secures 100th Patent - Feb 22, 2012

iRobot Announces Record Results - Feb 09, 2012

iRobot Takes Minority Stake in Telemedicine Firm - Feb 01, 2012

iRobot Receives a Pair of Contracts from the U.S. Navy - Oct 27, 2010

iRobot in Deal to Provide 125 PackBots - Aug 05, 2010

iRobot Ships 3,000+ PackBot Tactical Mobile Robots - Feb 18, 2010

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Last April, we described the FirstLook as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to assist its operator with observation and investigation of confined spaces.

According to iRobot, the device is ideal for a wide range of infantry and special operations missions, including building clearing, raids and other close-in scenarios.

The lightweight “throwable” robot features four built-in cameras, two-way audio communication, and digital mesh networking capabilities, which would allow multiple units to relay radio communications signals. The 110 FirstLook is designed to withstand up to 15-foot drops onto concrete and is waterproof to three feet.

The robot is designed to climb steps, overcome obstacles, turn in place and can right itself if it gets flipped over. It weighs less than five pounds.

Tim Trainer, interim general manager of iRobot’s Military Robots business unit is excited by the positive feedback from customers who are trialing the FirstLook.

“Similar to how iRobot’s PackBot and SUGV robots changed the way explosive ordnance disposal missions are conducted, we feel FirstLook will change how infantry and special operations missions are performed in the years ahead,” he said.

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Swiss Robot Maker Set to Launch SCORP - Jan 26, 2012

iRobot in Deal to Provide 125 PackBots - Aug 05, 2010

iRobot Ships 3,000+ PackBot Tactical Mobile Robots - Feb 18, 2010

Novint Adds Tactile Feedback for PackBot Operators - Nov 05, 2009

Engineers Look to Improve Military Robots - Oct 01, 2009

iRobot's Angle Honored with Lifetime Achievement - Sep 22, 2009

Northrop Grumman to Develop Advanced Unmanned Helicopter for U.S. Navy - Apr 25, 2012

iRobot Secures 100th Patent - Feb 22, 2012

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Vijay Kumar, Deputy Dean for Education in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at UPenn, recently gave a talk at the TED 2012 conference that held the audience spellbound, as he explained the potential of his group’s current research in robotics, specifically relating to the flying nano quadrotor robots that they are working on now.

Kumar’s discussion is just a shade under 17 minutes long, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the current state-of-the-art of robotics.

The real fun starts at around the 15-minute mark.

Enjoy.

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iRobot Takes Minority Stake in Telemedicine Firm - Feb 01, 2012

Robotic Pitchers and Catchers - A Sure Sign of Spring? - Jan 30, 2012

Swiss Robot Maker Set to Launch SCORP - Jan 26, 2012

TOSY Dancing Robot Can Cut A Rug - Jan 12, 2012

Mexico City to Host Robotic Soccer Championship - Jan 12, 2012

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Question: What is iRobot’s 100th patent, Alex?

Correct!

Bedford, Mass.-based iRobot Corp. has hit the century mark in terms of patents, a milestone, which it describes as “an important attainment reflecting the company's ongoing attention to building strategic intellectual property.”

The robot-maker’s 100th U.S. patent protects robotic ‘retrotraverse’ technology, which gives the firm’s iRobot 510 PackBot with User Assist Package (UAP) the ability to autonomously come back to its handler should the wireless communications link between operator and machine be dropped.

According to a company news release, the retrotraverse technology can be applied to networked and wireless robots in military, commercial, healthcare and household applications.

Apparently the good folks at the patent office were quite busy with robot related submissions, as on the same day iRobot was awarded the patent for ‘retrotraverse’, it was also awarded a patent covering sonar technologies for robotic telepresence. The application of this particular technology can be seen in the company’s iRobot Ava mobile robotics offering, a platform that was developed to help robot designers, application developers and other specialists design cutting edge, affordable mobile robotic solutions.

iRobot also holds 108 foreign patents and continues to pursue more than 250 patent applications pending worldwide.

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iRobot in Deal to Provide 125 PackBots - Aug 05, 2010

iRobot Ships 3,000+ PackBot Tactical Mobile Robots - Feb 18, 2010

Novint Adds Tactile Feedback for PackBot Operators - Nov 05, 2009

Engineers Look to Improve Military Robots - Oct 01, 2009

iRobot's Angle Honored with Lifetime Achievement - Sep 22, 2009

iRobot Nets Order for FirstLook Robots - Mar 06, 2012

iRobot Announces Record Results - Feb 09, 2012

iRobot Takes Minority Stake in Telemedicine Firm - Feb 01, 2012

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Battelle subsidiary Bluefin Robotics, which designs and manufactures Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and related technology, and The Columbia Group, a specialist with expertise in military undersea vehicles, diving systems, and shipboard launch and recovery systems have teamed up to deliver a dual-mode (manned and autonomous) vehicle currently named Proteus.

The Columbia Group currently is developing the hull mechanical and electrical systems for the project, and Bluefin is supplying advanced autonomy technology for use in unmanned missions. Bluefin will also contribute mission planning capabilities and the power solution. Battelle is providing battery charging and systems integration support.

David P. Kelly, President and CEO of Bluefin Robotics, is a firm believer in the partnership approach to solving this particular design challenge. “By combining the strengths of our organizations, we can field a vehicle that will meet the Navy’s needs and take UUV capabilities to the next level,” Kelly said.

Proteus is 25-feet long, weighs 6,200 pounds and has up to 400 pounds of lift capability. Developers plan to hold an at-sea demonstration in the coming months.

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Liquid Robotics Gliders Set World Record for Unmanned Ocean Travel - Mar 13, 2012

iRobot Receives a Pair of Contracts from the U.S. Navy - Oct 27, 2010

Northrop Grumman to Develop Advanced Unmanned Helicopter for U.S. Navy - Apr 25, 2012

Amazon Buys Robot Maker Kiva Systems for $775 Million - Mar 21, 2012

iRobot Nets Order for FirstLook Robots - Mar 06, 2012

iRobot Secures 100th Patent - Feb 22, 2012

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“We are honored that the U.S. Army has once again chosen our Recon Scout XT system for their dismounted troops,” said Ernest Langdon, Director of Military Programs for ReconRobotics. “Although these 1.2-lb robots are exceptionally small, they will play a big role in providing our warfighters with increased situational awareness and standoff distance as they conduct operations in active combat theaters.”

ReconRobotics, which was formed to commercialize robotics technology developed at the University of Minnesota Distributed Robotics Lab, is no stranger to dealing with the US Army. Over the last six months, the company has received orders for 1,800 Recon Scout XT kits.

The lightweight, throwable robot is well-suited for use by military and police. When used as directed, the robots provide operators with situational awareness and the ability to maintain a greater standoff distance between the user and the adversary.

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Swiss Robot Maker Set to Launch SCORP - Jan 26, 2012

Northrop Grumman to Develop Advanced Unmanned Helicopter for U.S. Navy - Apr 25, 2012

iRobot Nets Order for FirstLook Robots - Mar 06, 2012

N. Korea Arming 1970's-Era U.S. Drones? - Feb 06, 2012

iRobot Takes Minority Stake in Telemedicine Firm - Feb 01, 2012

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Another element of the bill was the fact that Congress has authorized unmanned drones to share the same airspace as piloted commercial passenger airplanes.

The FAA will be required to provide military, commercial and privately-owned drones with expanded access to U.S. airspace by Sept. 30, 2015. Today, drone use is mostly restricted to blocks of military airspace, border patrols and some public and private usage.  

The next step is for the FAA to provide a plan that will show how drones can safely be operated in shared airspace with piloted aircraft.

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N. Korea Arming 1970's-Era U.S. Drones? - Feb 06, 2012

Lockheed Martin Acquires Avionics Specialist - Jan 18, 2012

U.S. Tests Solar-Powered HALE UAS at Naval Air Warfare Center - Nov 23, 2009

Air Force Awards $302.9 Million UAS Contract to Northrop Grumman - Nov 23, 2009

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Separately, Stereotaxis announced regulatory clearance from Health Canada to commercially market the device in Canada.

Since its introduction to the European market in 2011, the Vdrive system has been installed in nine centers, with units scheduled to be installed in additional centers during the first quarter of 2012. The initial nine centers have performed 473 clinical cases with approximately 80% being completed in the left atrium of the heart.

Vdrive expands upon the company’s Magnetic Navigation platform and is designed to enable remote manipulation of diagnostic devices used during medical procedures.

Citing positive clinical feedback, Michael P. Kaminski, President and CEO of Stereotaxis is excited about the company’s future, and the new opportunities that the Health Canada regulatory clearance portends.

“With the Health Canada market clearance for the Vdrive system, and our planned new Vdrive installations in Europe and Canada this year, we are well-positioned to drive the growth and further adoption of this exciting technology in electrophysiology labs in these important markets,” he said.

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iRobot Takes Minority Stake in Telemedicine Firm - Feb 01, 2012

CyberKnife Robotic Surgery System Deployed in Mexican Hospital - Jan 17, 2012

All Robotic Surgical Team Operates on Prostate Cancer Patient - Oct 20, 2010

Accuray Lands at 113 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 - Oct 20, 2010

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Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased 15 percent to $130.8 million, compared with $114.0 million for the same quarter one year ago. Revenue for the full year 2011 increased 16 percent to $465.5 million from $401.0 million for the full year 2010.

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $10.6 million, compared with $7.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Net income for the full year 2011 was $40.2 million, compared with $25.5 million for the same period in 2010.

“Our record financial results in 2011 were exceptional on all fronts, driven by especially strong performance in our Home Robots division,” said Colin Angle, chairman and chief executive officer of iRobot.

Angle was very pleased with the home robot business, but cautioned that limited visibility in the defense business may lead to a decline in top and bottom line in the company’s G&I division.

However, Angle said that iRobot plans to continue to make investments in marketing and research/development to maintain and increase the company’s market position.

“To capitalize on our growing home robot business, intermediate and longer term opportunities in the defense business and exciting emerging opportunities, we will continue to make investments in marketing and R&D that extend our leadership position,” he said.

Some highlights from the release:

• Strong demand in overseas markets drove a 21 percent year-over-year increase in full-year home robot revenue.
• International home robot revenue of $196 million comprised 70 percent of total home robot 2011 revenue.
• Government & industrial robot revenue grew 9 percent in 2011, driven by shipments of Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles and spares.
• In 2011, operating cash flow was $55.7 million, compared with $49.2 million in 2010. As a result of improved net income, iRobot’s year-end cash and investment position was $184 million.

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iRobot Sets Consumer Robotics Milestone - Jan 05, 2010

iRobot Forms Healthcare Business Unit, Intros President - Oct 31, 2009

iRobot Takes Minority Stake in Telemedicine Firm - Feb 01, 2012

iRobot's Angle Honored with Lifetime Achievement - Sep 22, 2009

iRobot Nets Order for FirstLook Robots - Mar 06, 2012

iRobot Secures 100th Patent - Feb 22, 2012

iRobot Receives a Pair of Contracts from the U.S. Navy - Oct 27, 2010

Sponsored by the Call Center Outsourcing Community & the Virtual Contact Center Outsourcing Community

The news agency cited an anonymous South Korean intelligence report.

According to the source, “North Korea recently bought several U.S. MQM-107D Streakers from a Middle Eastern nation that appears to be Syria, and is developing unmanned attack aircraft based on them.”

The MQM-107 Streaker was designed as a reusable, turbojet powered, target-towing drone for testing and training. Developed in the early 1970’s the unmanned aircraft was phased out beginning in 2003 in favor of the smaller and lighter BQM-167 Skeeter drone.

The intelligence report opines that if the North Koreans are successful in their endeavor, the likely target would be South Korean troops stationed on border islands in the Yellow Sea.

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Northrop Grumman to Develop Advanced Unmanned Helicopter for U.S. Navy - Apr 25, 2012

Defense Department Gets a Good Look at Argus One - Jan 17, 2012

Northrop Global Hawk Makes Historic Flight - Mar 08, 2010

IAI Heron Officially Joins Israel's Air Force - Feb 25, 2010

Fire Scout Tests Autonomous Resupply Mission - Feb 18, 2010

AirStar, Altitude to Supply UAVs, Services for Mining Industry - Jan 05, 2010

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Back in July 2011, the two firms announced a joint development and licensing agreement, which was established to explore opportunities for healthcare applications on iRobot platforms, such as the iRobot Ava mobile robotics platform.

InTouch Health provides telemedicine solutions and expertise designed to enable doctors to consult with patients in real-time, regardless of the distance between them. Using an online portal, doctors can access telemedicine devices from wherever they are located to provide care anywhere patients might be: homes, clinics, ambulances, and hospital procedure rooms and wards. The InTouch telemedicine network is powered through its SureConnect cloud-based infrastructure.

According to a press release, InTouch Health will provide access to FDA regulated healthcare facilities, granting iRobot an initial foray into hospitals, emergency care facilities, patient wards and operating and procedure rooms.

iRobot Chairman and CEO Colin Angle feels the partnership will create a situation where patients and elderly consumers of assistive technologies would benefit greatly. “Currently operating in over eighty hospitals in the U.S. and around the world, InTouch is in a very unique position as one of the first developers of FDA-cleared telemedicine devices,” Angle said.

Yulun Wang, chairman and CEO of InTouch Health agrees, and is quick to praise iRobot. “As evident from the demonstrations of Ava, iRobot is the industry leader in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence,” he said. “Working together, InTouch Health and iRobot will pioneer remote presence in healthcare settings, providing anytime anywhere patient care in hospital ICU’s, patient wards and operating and procedure rooms.”

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iRobot Announces Record Results - Feb 09, 2012

iRobot Sets Consumer Robotics Milestone - Jan 05, 2010

iRobot Forms Healthcare Business Unit, Intros President - Oct 31, 2009

iRobot's Angle Honored with Lifetime Achievement - Sep 22, 2009

Sponsored by the Call Center Outsourcing Community & the Virtual Contact Center Outsourcing Community