The iRobot team has recently released its newest ground robot the 110 FirstLook Scouting Unit. Unlike most robots, the First Look is capable of surviving 15 foot drops onto concrete, which allows it be thrown into buildings or onto out of reach places.
The robot is designed and marketed towards military and special ops teams. However, it is packed with awesome features that will appeal to any technical person with an inner child. The small robot is highly portable weighing in at only 5 pounds and measures 10'' long, 9'' wide, and 4'' tall allowing it to easily fit into a backpack. In addition, it features 4 cameras, one on each side that will give the user a 360 degree view of the environment. The cameras also feature IR illumination to enhance visualization while in low light situations.
The First Look gives the user the ability to navigate through rough terrain and dangerous situations at a safe distance. Worried about curbs or puddles of water causing navigating problems? The robot is waterproof up to 3 feet, and it can even overcome obstacles and steps up to 8 inches. The design is also convenient when needing to investigate hard to reach places, such as pipes, air ducts, or tunnels.
Controlling the robot requires a small 'tactical operating control' unit that includes a two way radio and screen for video feedback. The battery allows up to 6 hours of continuous operation and up to 10 hours of stationary video feedback.
Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization has recently ordered a hundred of theses bots and will be testing them out for the first time within the next few months.
Just like with the ReconRobotics "Scout XT," if I saw this rolling towards me in even a mildly hostile environment, I would run in the opposite direction.
Eavesdropper
