Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms Space By Flag By Year By Tag

iRobot 510 PackBot

2003 MODERN

History

The iRobot PackBot is a rugged and lightweight all-weather battlefield robot currently in service with the US Marine Corps. The system can perform EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), reconnaissance and other search and surveillance missions for the military, as well as hazmat control, SWAT services and technical details for the civilian market.

The PackBot has proven to be a viable companion for the modern warrior, paving the way for a new generation of battlefield robots to emerge in the near future.

At the heart of the PackBot is its 3-section robotic arm that can extend up to 2 meters in any direction to safely destroy hard-to-reach objects such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), various types of unexploded ordnance , mines and other incendiary devices weighing up to 30 pounds. A "Small Arm Manipulator" (SAM) is also available with a stated weight limit of 15 lbs. The gripping hand can be rotated 360 degrees to handle objects the size of a baseball.

Users operate the PackBot remotely via an ergonomic two-handed controller (modeled after a game console gamepad) that features secure key encryption to keep unwanted users out. An optional fiber optic spooler on the back of the PackBot chassis manages the release of optional communication fiber optic cables for tangle-free operation in the field.

The operator manages the PackBot system through a laptop-like interface system with an integrated keyboard. The chassis is powered through a system of rails mounted on either side of the design.

A positional triangular track extension system attached to the front of the chassis helps the PackBot handle higher terrain, allowing operation on uneven terrain including stairs, rocky surfaces and loose mud. Degree traversal is limited to 60 degrees.

The undercarriage features an on-board computer powered by an Intel Mobile Pentium PC processor that integrates processing and behavioral sensors into the mix via the iRobot AWARE 2 modular smart software suite. Sensors track the position of the fixture at all times to eliminate the possibility of accidental collisions with nearby structures.

The computer is equipped with self-monitoring thermal protection and integrated GPS, compass, inclinometer and compass.

User assisted vision is provided by a 312x zoom "vision and aim" camera with laser ranging and day/night/low light vision. The camera system can be tilted up, down, back and forward, and two cameras can also be attached to the robotic arm.

PackBot uses gas detectors to detect and identify hazardous nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) sources.

Under ideal conditions on flat terrain, the PackBot can reach a top speed of 5.8 miles per hour. When the system is folded, it measures 7 inches high, and when all features are stowed, it measures 16 inches wide and 27 inches long. The entire system without the battery pack weighs 24 pounds. Power is supplied by 2 BB-2590/U rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, allowing the PackBot to run for up to 4 hours on a single charge, equivalent to about 10 miles of road travel.

For obvious reasons, PackBots come with spare batteries and chargers.

iRobot PackBot's marketing materials offer products with up to 75 optional accessories for the base 510 Series model.

On September 27, 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a $60,000,000 contract for 300 iRobot PackBot systems, including associated maintenance, parts, and repair services. The terms of the agreement are scheduled to end on July 27, 2016.