Robots Ordered for Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Boeing and industry partner iRobot have received a contract to provide the Air Force with up to 70 small unmanned ground vehicles for explosive ordnance disposal. The companies will supply the model 310 SUGV under the agreement, which runs through September 2012, according to Boeing’s release. These combat-proven robots will give EOD airmen real-time awareness of dangerous situations from safe standoff distances. They are meant for missions like explosive disposal, route clearance, and reconnaissance. Bob DaLee, Boeing’s robotics program manager, said the companies are pleased to place this technology “into the hands of airmen around the world” to help them “in dealing with dangerous situations in war zones.” Boeing and iRobot have developed an SUGV family under a strategic alliance that began in 2007.