iRobot's PackBot now ready for deployment

iRobot (yes, that iRobot) is filling their first order from the US military for 100 PackBot robots fitted with new ICx Fido explosive detectors. Already, there are an estimated 5,000 robots of various types deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan -- up from 150 in 2004 -- with $1.7 billion earmarked for ground-based military robots through 2012. So just how did military personal detect bombs in the olden days? Well, soldiers would stand back as far as possible with a rope and drag hooks over the suspected piles of rubble or abandoned vehicles in hopes of disarming or detonating them. With an estimated 70% of all US causalities in Iraq caused by road-side bombs, the $165,000 PackBot will certainly receive a warm welcome by the boots on the ground.

[Schaferhund @ Mar 30th 2007 10:21AM]

These are kick ass, had one almost drive across my foot at a demo last fall. They will save a lot of lives. Fantastic piece of engineering.

[Loban @ Mar 30th 2007 11:48AM]

I love my Roomba. It doesn't detect explosives, but it shows no mercy in eliminating dust and dog hair.

[Rob @ Mar 30th 2007 1:21PM]

They should've called it the "Boomba"

[LoonyLeif @ Mar 30th 2007 1:56PM]

I wonder if they'll have to use military-grade compressed air to get rid of the mass amounts of dust this thing will collect. I mean it IS the Middle East we're talking about here. They'd have to change the filters like every five seconds.

[LoonyLeif @ Mar 30th 2007 2:08PM]

I suspect that private first class Smith will have to clear the sensors when it comes back with no bombs in its dirt bin...

I also wonder if this thing will, when trying to find its home base, roll off into your laundry room, terrify your cat, and try to eat one of your sweaters.

Haha god I hate Roombas.

[waLLy @ Mar 30th 2007 3:18PM]

Now let's see a chihuahua bark at THAT for 20 minutes!