It has been awarded a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) contract worth over $18 million to deliver its iRobot PackBot® EOD robots – explosive ordnance disposal robots – for rapid deployment in support of U.S. troops around the world. iRobot PackBot EOD robots are combat-proven and are being used daily in Iraq and Afghanistan to disarm roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

To fulfill the contract, iRobot will deliver over 150 robots to the U.S. Navy by the end of 2005.

“The rapid acquisition of small EOD robots comes in response to war fighters’ requirements for technologies that protect personnel and overcome the threat posed by unexploded ordnance, mines and IEDs,” said Commander Scott Stuart, EOD Program Manager, NAVSEA. “The EOD program office is working in close partnership with joint force and combatant commanders, and with industry, to deliver state-of-the-art capability, based on commercial off-the-shelf technologies that meet the demands of real-world operations.”

iRobot PackBot EOD is a rugged, lightweight robot designed to assist in explosive ordnance disposal, HAZMAT, search-and-surveillance, hostage rescue and other vital tasks for military units. It can handle a full range of conventional ordnance disposal and improvised explosive devices. iRobot PackBot EOD’s lightweight, ruggedized OmniReach Manipulator System can reach as far as two meters in any direction to assess and safely disrupt difficult-to-access IEDs, military ordnance, land mines and other incendiary devices.

“iRobot PackBot EOD robots play a crucial role in helping to protect American and coalition forces from unpredictable threats in Iraq and Afghanistan on a daily basis,” said Joe Dyer (Ret. U.S. Navy Vice Admiral), executive vice president and general manager of iRobot’s Government & Industrial Robotics division. “This NAVSEA contract is a tremendous privilege in that it gives us the opportunity to change the calculus of battle by shifting smart, nimble machines into roles that in the past went unfilled or require human intelligence and adaptability.”

“We hear new stories every week about how our iRobot PackBot EOD is saving the lives of our soldiers and otherwise immeasurably helping our troops,” said Helen Greiner, chairman and co-founder of iRobot. “We build our military robots with one primary goal in mind – helping soldiers complete their missions effectively and, most importantly, safely.”

Contract details were announced by the Department of Defense on March 1, 2005.

About iRobot Corp.

iRobot is best known in the military for setting the new standard in mobile, agile robotics for reconnaissance and other tactical applications. iRobot has a long commitment to building robotic products that make living safer and easier for people in many walks of life. Over the past 15 years, iRobot has developed and built innovative products for the military, government security agencies, law enforcement and the consumer marketplace. In 2003, co-founders Helen Greiner and Colin Angle were named Ernst & Young regional Entrepreneurs of the Year for their innovative work in technology. For additional information about iRobot, visit www.irobot.com.

Tom Ryden
24.03.2005