PackBot
Encyclopedia
PackBot is a series of military robot
s by iRobot
. More than 2000 PackBots are currently on station in Iraq and Afghanistan, with hundreds more on the way.
to make it more familiar to young operators. Configurations include:
Military robot
Military robots are autonomous robots or remote-controlled devices designed for military applications.Such systems are currently being researched by a number of militaries.-History:...
s by iRobot
IRobot
iRobot Corporation is an American advanced technology company founded in 1990 and incorporated in Delaware in 2000, the iRobot Corporation designs robots such as an autonomous home vacuum cleaner , the Scooba that scrubs and cleans hard floors, and military and police robots, such as the PackBot...
. More than 2000 PackBots are currently on station in Iraq and Afghanistan, with hundreds more on the way.
Current PackBot 510 variants
PackBot 510 is the current base model. It uses a videogame-style hand controllerGame controller
A game controller is a device used with games or entertainment systems used to control a playable character or object, or otherwise provide input in a computer game. A controller is typically connected to a game console or computer by means of a wire, cord or nowadays, by means of wireless connection...
to make it more familiar to young operators. Configurations include:
- PackBot 510 with EOD Bomb DisposalBomb disposalBomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
Kit designed for improvised explosive deviceImprovised explosive deviceAn improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
identification and disposal. - PackBot 510 with Fast Tactical Maneuvering Kit designed for infantry troops tasked with improvised explosive deviceImprovised explosive deviceAn improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
inspection. This is a lighter weight robot. - PackBot 510 with First Responder Kit designed to help SWATSWATA SWAT team is an elite tactical unit in various national law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers...
teams and other first responders with situational awareness. - PackBot 510 with HazMat Detection Kit collects air samples to detect chemical and radiological agents.
- PackBot 510 with Fido utilizes the Fido Explosives DetectorFido Explosives DetectorThe Fido explosives detector is created by ICx Technologies, Inc. and is based on a proprietary technology developed by MIT called amplifying fluorescent polymer . The AFP technology was invented by 2007 Lemelson-MIT Prize winner Professor Timothy Swager and adapted for use in the Fido explosives...
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. - PackBot 510 with REDOWL Sniper Detection Kit utilizes the Acoustic Direction Finder from BioMimetic Systems to localize gunshots with azimuth, elevation, and range.
Previous PackBot variants
- 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 being damaged. The Packbot scout version weighs about 40 pounds (18 kg).
- PackBot Explorer has a cameraCameraA camera is a device that records and stores images. These images may be still photographs or moving images such as videos or movies. The term camera comes from the camera obscura , an early mechanism for projecting images...
head equipped with multiple cameras, laser pointerLaser pointerA laser pointer or laser pen is a small portable device with a power source and a laser emitting a very narrow coherent low-powered beam of visible light, intended to be used to highlight something of interest by illuminating it with a small bright spot of colored light...
s, audio and other sensorSensorA sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated...
s. - 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.
See also
- RobotRobotA robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...
- Military robotMilitary robotMilitary robots are autonomous robots or remote-controlled devices designed for military applications.Such systems are currently being researched by a number of militaries.-History:...
- Small Unmanned Ground VehicleSmall Unmanned Ground VehicleThe XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle is a Future Combat Systems specific, man packable The XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) is a Future Combat Systems specific, man packable The XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) is a Future Combat Systems specific, man packable (The XM1216...
- Foster-Miller TALONFoster-Miller TALONThe Foster-Miller TALON robot is a small, tracked military robot designed for missions ranging from reconnaissance to combat. Over 3000 TALON robots have been deployed to combat theaters. -Overview:...