W.S. Darley & Co. to Supply iRobot Tactical Mobile Robots for First Responders

By Caroline Rees / 09 Apr 2014

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Robot 110 FirstLook

The iRobot 110 FirstLook is a small, light, throwable robot that provides hasty situational awareness, performs persistent observation and investigates confined spaces.

W.S. Darley & Company has announced that it is now distributing iRobot’s line of tactical mobile robots to the fire and emergency service markets.

iRobot’s proven tactical mobile robots protect those in harm’s way and save lives every day. They perform multiple missions for public safety professionals, enhancing situational awareness, reducing risk and increasing operational success. More than 5,000 have been delivered to customers worldwide.

The robots are modular, adaptable and expandable. They are able to employ a variety of payloads, cameras and sensors to enable a wide range of operations, including HazMat, SWAT, reconnaissance, bomb disposal, and vehicle and building inspections. By relaying real-time video, audio and sensor data, the operator is able to stay at a safe standoff distance while investigating potentially hazardous environments and objects. This includes the identification and detection of dangerous chemical, radiological and organic compounds.

“We are excited to work with iRobot to make these robots available to fire and emergency services personnel. Our partnership brings two industry leaders together to address these important markets,” said Kevin Sofen business development manager at W.S. Darley & Company.

“For more than a decade, iRobot’s defense and security robots have proven their value to customers worldwide,” said Tom Phelps, director of robotic products — North America for iRobot’s Defense & Security business unit. “Robots are ideal tools for those in the public safety, fire and emergency services sectors. They can be used to address a wide range of challenges while increasing operational success and keeping people safe. We look forward to working with W.S. Darley & Co., expanding the presence of robots in these areas.”

iRobot will be showcasing its multi-mission 510 PackBot and five-pound, throwable 110 FirstLook robots in the W.S. Darley & Company booth #1423 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) on April 7 – 12 in Indianapolis. The company’s line of robots also includes the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) and model 710, an almost 500-pound robot that lifts heavy objects and carries heavy payloads. W.S. Darley & Company believes that the iRobot solutions for land will complement its current line of unmanned aerial robotic solutions (UAV’s) in providing First Responders with more information to help them better perform their missions.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

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