US Army awards robot contract
February 2008
News
iRobot Corporation has been awarded the xBot contract, a US$286 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract from the US Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation, on behalf of the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office. Under the terms of the contract, the army could order up to 3000 military robots, spare parts, training and repair services over the next five years.
The award marks a turning point in the way the army uses robots in combat, which until now have been deployed in limited numbers only to explosive ordnance device (EOD) specialists. With this award, the army broadens the deployment of robots in larger scale to general infantry forces for a variety of critical missions in addition to EOD.
iRobot was selected to fulfil the contract as the lowest priced, technically qualified bidder deemed able to deliver as a responsible contractor. iRobot's winning xBot prototype robot is based closely on the combat-proven iRobot PackBot military robot platform. xBot is a generic name, and the robots delivered to forces under the contract will be named iRobot PackBot 510 with FasTac Kit. These robots are smaller and lighter than the iRobot PackBot 510, with a robust gripper and an observation mast equipped with a low-light-capable zoom camera.
iRobot has delivered more than 1200 PackBot robots, which are at work conducting dangerous missions while war fighters remain out of harm's way.
For more information contact iRobot Corporation, www.irobot.com
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...
printer friendly version