Early last month, iRobot Corp received a $12.7 million order from Army Contracting Command for 68 model 310 SUGV robots and spares kits with the delivery completed by next month. This is the second order under a IDIQ contract that is valid through September 2015. So far, the Army has taken delivery of 138 robots and spares kits. IDIQ contracts can be tricky with lofty ceilings and actual orders turning out to be a fraction of the full value. Literally, this is an off-the-shelf purchase and it’s a testament to iRobot’s confidence in this system to deliver so quickly. These are complicated systems and you don’t let them sit on the shelf if they aren’t going to sell.
Many are familiar with the model 510 Packbot used by EOD. The 310 is slightly smaller and fits in a MOLLE pack.
It runs for up to 6 hours using 2 x BB-2590/U batteries (or 1.5 hours with 2 BB-2557/U batteries). The 4 built-in cameras include 1 with 40x zoom and IR and white light illumination for low-light and no-light operations. It also features a dextrous arm that is controlled by a standard Xbox 360 controller making training easy for many operators.
Overall, iRobot has delivered over 4,500 UGVs woldwide including over 600 of the 310 model.
iRobot products are available to units and agencies who are not covered under this IDIQ contract through ADS Inc.
“It also features a dextrous arm that is controlled by a standard Xbox 360 controller making training easy for many operators.”
That was a smart move!
Okay, I have used just about all versions of the packbot for EOD work; 710, both versions of the 510, and the 310 SUGV. I personally love the 310 SUGV. While not the perfect tool for all robot scenarios, what it does when it is needed, it does it well.
It has a little eye-piece for your video screen and it’s xbox controller is very intuitive. When loaded up and thrown on the back, it gets pretty damn heavy still mainly because of the BB-2590 batteries and extra batteries for a really bad day.