PackBot

PackBot is a series of robots by iRobot. PackBot EOD (Explosive ordnance disposal) can be controlled by radio or wired control to handle situations involving potential explosives, thereby reducing the risk of personal injury. The Packbot scout is the basic configuration. It has five payload bays for assignable purposes and can be dropped from a height of six feet (1.83m) onto concrete without causing self-inflicted damage. The Packbot scout version weighs in at about 40 pounds (18kg). PackBot explorer has a camera head equipped with multiple cameras, laser pointers, audio and other sensors. More than 1500 PackBots are currently on station in Iraq and Afghanistan, (which is low to the total amount of Robots in Iraq) with hundreds more on the way. [cite web | year=2008 | url = http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=74 | title=iRobot Corporation: About iRobot | accessdate = August 26 | accessyear = 2008] One version of the PackBot utilizes the Fido Explosives Detector from ICx Technologies as a payload in order to "sniff" out explosive materials. With the Fido, the PackBot now has the capability of locating explosive devices and subsequently disarming them using on-board robotic capabilities. [http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2006/November/RDcommand.htm]

The PackBot 510 makes use of a video game-style hand controller intended to make it more familiar to use by young men and women, unlike their old controller which is used by the PackBot 500. [cite web | year=2007 | url = http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/iRobot_Receives_New_Military_Orders_14_PackBot_Robots_999.html | title=iRobot Receives New Military Orders 14 PackBot Robots | accessdate = July 25 | accessyear = 2007]

ee also

*Dragon Runner
*SUGV

References

External links

* [http://www.irobot.com/ Website of iRobot, the manufacturer of the PackBot]
* [http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot3.htm Howstuffworks' website about the PackBot]
* [http://www.icxt.com/ Website of ICx Technologies, the manufacturer of the Fido]