Canadian DND orders iRobot 510 PackBot CBRN robots

Canadian DND orders iRobot 510 PackBot CBRN robots

iRobot 510 PackBot

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iRobot 510 PackBot
iRobot 510 PackBot

iRobot has secured multi-year contracts for the delivery of iRobot 510 PackBot reconnaissance, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) recce systems to the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND).

Valued at a combined $9.6m, the competitively awarded contracts cover the delivery of a total of 20 iRobot 510 PackBot systems, along with training and future product lifecycle support.

iRobot defense and security business unit senior vice-president and general manager Frank Wilson told army-technology: “CBRN events occur globally and each present their own unique challenges. iRobot offers all of our customers rugged, reliable and expandable systems that are capable of addressing a wide range of specific mission needs.”

A modular expansion to iRobot’s 510 PackBot multi-mission robot, the 510 PackBot CBRN recce system is designed to address specific requirements set forth by the Canadian DND.

The easy-to-use, mobile robot includes a CBRN suite, comprising five primary sensors to reliably detect, alert and report on chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, volatile gases, explosives and radiation.

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The robot, which is equipped with broad sensing capabilities, can access confined spaces and features enhanced mobility through the addition of rear flippers.

Deliveries under the contract are expected to be completed by April 2015.

Weighing around 24lb, the 510 PackBot is a modular robot designed to assist soldiers and first responders in conducting bomb disposal and improvised explosives device neutralization, as well as surveillance / reconnaissance missions from stand-off distances.

Equipped with a range of interchangeable payloads, the combat-proven robot can be configured to screen vehicles and is able to integrate additional sensors to aid in the identification and interrogation of CBRN threats.

To date, iRobot has delivered more than 5,000 robots to military and civil defense forces worldwide.