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2022-08-01

U.S. Military Opts for Teledyne’s Multi-mission Robots

Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, recently announced that it had received new orders worth US$62.1 million from the U.S. Armed Services for its advanced, multi-mission robots.

The U.S. Army, Navy, and other command centres placed orders for nearly 500 more Centaur unmanned ground systems, including additional spares, antennas, and payload mounting kits.

This latest award raises the value of the original Man Transportable Robot System Increment II (MTRS Inc. II) contract from roughly US$190 million to more than US$250 million.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams use the Teledyne FLIR Centaur ground robot to disable unexploded ordnance (UXO), improvised explosive devices, landmines and perform similar dangerous tasks. Operators can quickly attach different sensors and payloads to the robot to address other missions, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

The Centaur can identify objects at range in all weather conditions by using its EO/IR camera suite. The highly dexterous arm with 75.5” reach and 5 degrees of freedom provides superior manipulation.

In 2017, the Army chose Centaur as its MTRS Inc. II solution for a multi-year programme of record. Since then, other U.S. military branches have opted to deploy Centaur to their EOD units as a new or replacement ground robot system. Since 2020, Teledyne FLIR has announced orders totalling more than 1,800 Centaurs from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

“Our Centaur platform continues to prove itself as one of the most versatile and sought after tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to support America’s military,” said Tom Frost, general manager of Unmanned Ground Systems at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “Our team is honoured to play a role in providing technology U.S. warfighters depend on for risky and sometimes deadly missions. With global security threats rising, allied nations can leverage this multi-purpose robot to support a wide array of manned/unmanned operations.”

The Teledyne FLIR Centaur is a medium-sized UGV that provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify, and dispose of hazards. Weighing roughly 160 pounds, the Interoperability Protocol (IOP)-compliant robot features an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that reaches over six feet, and the ability to climb stairs. Modular payloads can be used for CBRN detection and other missions. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023.

Teledyne FLIR Defense also recently launched two newly upgraded ground robot systems – the PackBot 525 man-transportable UGV and the Kobra 725 heavy payload UGV.

Enhanced PackBot 525

PackBot 525 is the newest iteration of the legendary, field-tested PackBot robot. The upgrades include state-of-the-art HD cameras, improved illumination, optional in-situ charging, the addition of a laser range finder, enhanced accessory ports, and more attachment points for add-on accessories. PackBot 525 performs bomb disposal, surveillance and reconnaissance, CBRN detection and HazMat handling operations more capably than ever. The robot still lifts up to 44 lb (20 kg) and stows neatly in a vehicle, even fitting in a car’s trunk.

Powerful and Compact Kobra 725

Kobra 725 provides unmatched strength, power, and payload support. The robot is designed to be a remote operational platform with a manipulator arm capable of lifting heavy loads. It is highly manoeuvrable in rough terrain and able to climb stairs. Moreover, the state-of-the-art IOP-compliant system allows for future payload expansion. Kobra 725 allows easy integration and deployment of a large range of accessories for EOD, CBRN/HazMat, breaching, and other applications.

The powerful and compact Kobra 725 has a lift capacity of 330 lb (150 kg) and vertical reach of 138” (350 cm) and yet stows into a compact footprint and is transportable in small vehicles.

The robot provides superior mobility in rugged terrain. It can extricate itself from rough environments where other robots get stuck or damaged and can even surmount obstacles like jersey barriers. Multiple HD cameras with Zoom and illumination capability provide unmatched situational awareness.

Kobra 725 is controlled by the uPoint Multi-Robot Control System, featuring a touchscreen-based ruggedised tablet that allows an operator to select from across the family of connected robots.

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