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“You really need to develop a whole product solution—hardware, software, UI, interfaces, and process redesign—with a consideration for what problem you are really trying to solve.” —Aldo Zini
Getting large teams of robots to collaborate is the work of Dr Regis Vincent, who envisions applications that include mapping nuclear contamination.
What obstacles remain for robots to work alongside humans in industrial settings, and how far have we come in eliminating those challenges? Dr. Roland Menassa answers these and other questions in his presentation at the RoboBusiness summit November 2-3 in Boston.
John Reid, director of Product Technology and Innovation at Moline Technology Innovation Center, a part of John Deere’s Global Technology Innovation Network, discusses how his company’s technologies will help feed the world’s billions.
Mark Ingebretsen
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To date, iRobot has delivered more than 800 PackBot robots, and these powerful robots are in operation in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. The PackBot 510 was designed specifically to address evolving end-user requirements for a stronger, faster and easier-to-use robot.
The robot’s new hand controller is modeled after video game controllers, making PackBot 510 easier to use, and resulting in less training time and more rapid operations in the field. In addition, the advanced track technology significantly increases the robot’s performance on rough terrain.
“We constantly listen to our customers and respond to reports on what users need to successfully tackle dangerous situations in the field,” said Vice Admiral Joe Dyer (U.S. Navy, Ret.), president of iRobot Government & Industrial Robots. “Based on feedback from the troops, iRobot designed the PackBot 510 to help our soldiers counter the increasing and complex threats posed by improvised explosive devices.”
During an EOD training session at Fort Knox, Ky., soldiers from the 703rd Ordnance Company used the new hand controller to maneuver the PackBot. Comments from explosive ordnance disposal specialists include:
“All my time playing video games has paid off and now I can use that knowledge on the battlefield.”
“All of our EOD brothers in Iraq and Afghanistan need this now…you guys at iRobot really know what you are doing.”
“Now this is how robots should be operated…iRobot has listened and come through.”
About iRobot Corp.
iRobot is a provider of robots that perform dull, dirty or dangerous missions in a better way. The company’s proprietary technology, iRobot AWARE Robot Intelligence Systems, incorporates advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence. This proprietary system enables iRobot to build behavior-based robots, including its family of consumer and military robots. For additional information about iRobot, please visit http://www.irobot.com.
For iRobot Investors
Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, iRobot Corp.’s expectations concerning product development and marketing plans and the commercial launch of its products. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot Corp. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot Corp., see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contact
Fryske Helms
A&R Edelman for iRobot Corp.
P: (212) 642-7739
E:
Media Relations
Parna Sarkar
iRobot Corp.
P: (781) 418-3135
E:
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