The U.S. Army has awarded robotic technology company iRobot (IRBT +0.00%) a $30 million contract to supply robots that can perform dangerous duties such as neutralizing improvised explosive devices.
The contract announced today by iRobot and earlier by the Army is with the Army's Robotic Systems Joint Program Office (RSJPO). The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (IDIQ) is scheduled to last four years, and replaces an expiring IDIQ.
The terms allow for the delivery of iRobot's PackBot FasTac product, which helps military personnel and public safety officials analyze dangerous objects and environments from a safe distance, and any necessary spares. The PackBot can be used for jobs including neutralizing roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices, screening vehicles, and searching buildings, bunkers, caves, and tunnels. A $3 million order for spares has also been placed under the contract's terms, the company said. Deliveries will be complete by the end of 2013's fourth quarter.
Frank Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of iRobot's Defense and Security business unit, said the Army "recognizes the value of the PackBot FasTac robotic system on the battlefield" and the company looks forward to "continuing our work with RSJPO to ensure the Army is well equipped to maintain its fleet of PackBot FasTac robots in the years ahead." iRobot says it has delivered more than 5,000 robots to military and civil defense forces worldwide.
