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{{short description|Series of military robots by iRobot}}
[[File:Robot 501585 fh000026.jpg|thumb|PackBot being demonstrated by the French military]]
[[File: U.S. and Saudi Arabia explosive ordnance disposal technicians train in Saudi Arabia. (50921885603).jpg|thumb|A PackBot used in explosive ordnance disposal training with US and Saudi Arabian forces in 2021]]
'''PackBot''' is a series of [[military robot]]s by Endeavor Robotics (previously by [[iRobot]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://endeavorrobotics.com/about-us|title=Endeavor Robotics|website=endeavorrobotics.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-01|archive-date=2019-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701143048/http://endeavorrobotics.com/about-us|url-status=dead}}</ref>), an international robotics company founded in 2016, created from iRobot, that previously produced military robots since 1990. More than 2000 were used in [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]].<ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=iRobot Delivers 3,000th PackBot |url=http://www.roboticstrends.com/security_defense_robotics/article/irobot_delivers_3000th_packbot/ |archivedate=July 24, 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724200410/http://www.roboticstrends.com/security_defense_robotics/article/irobot_delivers_3000th_packbot/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> They were also used to aid searching through the debris of the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] after [[September 11 attacks|9/11]] in 2001.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/09/07/911.robots.disaster.response/index.html|title=How 9/11 inspired a new era of robotics|publisher=CNN|first=John D. |last=Sutter|access-date=2016-11-08}}</ref> Another instance of the PackBot technology being implemented was to the damaged [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Fukushima nuclear plant]] after the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]] where they were the first to assess the site.<ref name="nakata20120106">{{cite news | url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120106f1.html | title=Domestic robots failed to ride to rescue after No. 1 plant blew | work=The Japan Times | date=2012-01-06 | accessdate=January 9, 2012 | author=Nakata, Hiroko}}</ref> As of November 2014, the [[U.S. Army]] is refurbishing 224 iRobot 510 robots.<ref>[https://archive.today/20141115170248/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141115/DEFREG02/311150033/US-Army-Works-Toward-Single-Ground-Robot?odyssey=mod_sectionstories US Army Works Toward Single Ground Robot] – Defensenews.com, 15 November 2014</ref> The PackBot technology is also used in collaboration with NASA for their rovers and probes.
== Brief history ==
* 1998 – iRobot establishes a DARPA contract leading to the PackBot.
* 2001 – iRobot PackBot used to search World Trade Center ruins after the 9/11 attacks.
* 2002 – PackBot first deployed to aid United States Troops.
== iRobot International PackBot orders ==
February 2011 [[iRobot]] released confirmation of a deal totaling $4.4 million for the first quarter of 2011 for the manufacturing of 27 PackBot 510's and spare parts to accompany them.<ref name="pages=3409">{{cite journal
|title=iRobot Announces International PackBot Orders
|journal=Technology Business Journal
|issn=1945-8398
|date=22 February 2011
|pages=3409
}}</ref> In 2010, the industrial division of [[iRobot]] accumulated $13.2 million in revenue for international orders for PackBot alone in more than 25 countries.<ref name="pages=3409" /> In September 2014, [[iRobot]] secured a deal with the [[Department of National Defence (Canada)|Canadian Department of National Defense (DND)]]. The contract was for the delivery of PackBot reconnaissance, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear systems. The contract was priced at $9.6 million and includes the training of military personnel to operate the equipment, as well as lifetime repairs and technical support.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/news/newscanadian-dnd-orders-irobot-510-packbot-cbrn-robots-4368365|website=Army technology|title=Canadian DND orders iRobot 510 PackBot CBRN robots|date=2014-09-10}}</ref> PackBots have also been used in non-military operations. In 2014 the Brazilian government received an order of 30 PackBots. The robots were used for security purposes during the 2014 [[FIFA World Cup]] and the deal totaled $7.2 million in order to police the twelve host cities during the soccer matches.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1109/MCE.2014.2317914|title=The Packbots Are Coming: Boosting security at the 2014 FIFA World Cup|journal=IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine|volume=3|issue=3|pages=59|year=2014|last1=Michael|first1=Katina|last2=Michael|first2=M.G.|s2cid=22007977}}</ref>
To date, [[iRobot]] has delivered upwards of 5000 different robots including PackBots internationally.<ref name="ReferenceA" />
== NASA and PackBots ==
The National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) has a partnership with the company, iRobot. NASA's [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] (JPL) is a facility responsible for the development of robotic space-crafts as well as the [[NASA Deep Space Network|Deep Space Network]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/about/|title=About JPL|website=www.jpl.nasa.gov|access-date=2016-12-04}}</ref> Among these space-crafts are the rovers sent to the planet Mars. The rovers ''[[Spirit (rover)|Spirit]]'' and ''[[Opportunity (rover)|Opportunity]]'' sent to Mars in 2003 are just two of the rovers managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Mars is not the only place employing iRobot technology. In 2011, Japan was rocked by a strong earthquake causing a meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear reactor. Two PackBot rovers were deployed into the ruins of the nuclear power plant to assess damage, where the radioactivity was at high enough levels to prohibit humans from exploring.
The projects involving the cooperation of iRobot and NASA allowed the creation of high-tech machines. The much-needed physical structure of the robots was designed by iRobot, while the instruments and science equipment on board was provided by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/robots20110426.html|title=NASA – NASA Technology Looks Inside Japan's Nuclear Reactor|website=www.nasa.gov|language=en|access-date=2016-11-14}}</ref>
== Current PackBot 510 variants ==
[[File:US Navy 090624-N-4649C-002 A Sailor operates a PackBot explosive detecting robot during explosive handling training at U.S. Coast Guard Station Quillayute River, Wash.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician trains on iRobot's PCC, one of the remote control operation devices used to operate the Packbot.]]
PackBot 510 is the current base model. It uses a videogame-style [[Game controller|hand controller]] to make it more familiar to young operators.
* PackBot 510 with EOD [[Bomb Disposal]] Kit designed for [[improvised explosive device]] identification and disposal.
* PackBot 510 with Fast Tactical Maneuvering Kit designed for infantry troops tasked with [[improvised explosive device]] inspection. This is a lighter weight robot.
* PackBot 510 with [[First Responder]] Kit, designed to help [[SWAT]] 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 Detector]] 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 onboard robotic capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2006/November/RDcommand.htm |title=R&D command seeks better coordination of research |accessdate=2007-01-08 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070228172221/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2006/November/RDcommand.htm |archivedate=2007-02-28 }}</ref>
* PackBot 510 with REDOWL Sniper Detection Kit utilizes the Acoustic Direction Finder from BioMimetic Systems to localize gunshots with azimuth, elevation, and range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid%3D314 |title=IRobot Corporation: RedOwl Sniper Detection Kit |accessdate=2009-03-09 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915093809/http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=314 |archivedate=2008-09-15 }}</ref>
* RC2 – [[U.S. Marine Corps]] version of the 510 PackBot with a longer and stronger arm, more cameras, communications variations, and better track propulsion.<ref>[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140419/NEWS04/304190028/Marines-happily-recycle-Army-bots Marines happily recycle Army bots] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602204105/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20140419/NEWS04/304190028/Marines-happily-recycle-Army-bots |date=2014-06-02 }} – MarineCorpstimes.com, 19 April 2014</ref>
== Performance ==
PackBot 510 has a maximum speed of 5.8&nbsp;mph or 9.3&nbsp;km/h, and weighs 31.6&nbsp;lbs. or 14.3&nbsp;kg.<ref name="endeavorrobotics.com">{{Cite web | url=http://endeavorrobotics.com/media/docs/English%20Specs/Endeavor%20Robotics%20510%20PackBot%20Spec%20Sheet.pdf |title = Endeavor Robotics}}</ref> The robot can traverse mud, rocks, stairs, and other surfaces due to its [[Continuous track|caterpillar track]].<ref name="army-technology.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/irobot-510-packbot-multi-mission-robot/|title=iRobot 510 PackBot Multi-Mission Robot, United States of America}}</ref> The robot also has zero radius turn capability, and can climb up to a 60 degree incline. The dual BB-2590/U Li-ion rechargeable batteries allow for the robot to have a run time of 4 to 8 hours. Adaptive Materials Inc. (AMI) has created a power pod battery capable of extending the life of the PackBot. The power pod weighs 6&nbsp;kg(13&nbsp;lbs) and allows for extension of battery life to reach 12 hours.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1016/S1464-2859(09)70350-5|title=AMI demos UGV power pod on i ''Robot'' Pack ''Bot''|journal=Fuel Cells Bulletin|volume=2009|issue=11|pages=4|year=2009}}</ref>  It can maneuver in up to 3 feet of water.<ref name="army-technology.com" /> PackBot has more than 40 accessories, which are illustrated in PackBot 510 variants. Additionally, the robot can communicate up to 1000 meters or 3281 feet, and captures information through four cameras with night vision, zoom, and illumination capabilities that allow for real time image processing.<ref name="endeavorrobotics.com" />
== Previous variants ==
[[File:US Navy 090310-N-7090S-001 Explosive ordnance disposal technicians are using remote-controlled machines to help detect and defuse improvised explosive devices.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to an explosive ordnance disposal team poses beside a PackBot.]]
* '''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&nbsp;kg).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/products/p/pacbot.htm|title=PackBot Tactical Robot|website=defense-update.com|access-date=2016-12-09|archive-date=2016-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204144729/http://www.defense-update.com/products/p/pacbot.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''PackBot Explorer'''  Carries an integrated payload which can be elevated to allow peeking over obstacles or cover. Payload has a [[camera]] head equipped with multiple cameras, [[laser pointer]]s, audio and other [[sensor]]s.<ref name=":4" />
** The Explorer variant,  was used to explore the [[debris]] of the World Trade Center after the attack on [[September 11 attacks|9/11]] in search of victims and assessing the structural integrity of the debris by sending back images.<ref name=":02" />
* '''PackBot EOD''' (explosive-ordnance disposal) can be controlled by radio, or via a multimode Fibre Optic cable spool mounted on the robot. The Fibre Optic cable option is used in situations involving potential radio signal-triggered explosive devices, thereby reducing the risk of personal injury.<ref name=":4" />
== Deployment ==
The main use of the Packbot in the field is [[Improvised explosive device|IED]] detection and defusing. The Packbot Scout was the first deployment of the Packbot and was sent to [[Afghanistan]] in 2002 to explore caves and bunkers.<ref name="ProQuest">{{cite journal <!-- Deny Citation Bot--> |last=Morris|first= Jefferson|journal= Aerospace Daily & Defense Report|volume=217|issue=36|date=February 24, 2006|page= 1|title=iRobot's Dyer missions multiplying for PackBot|id={{ProQuest|231479855}}}}</ref> This model was the simplest Packbot which contained just a robotic arm and camera.<ref name="ProQuest" /> As of 2007 Packbots have been deployed to aid in the detection of sniper fire in the Middle East. Acoustic signatures detected by the robot allow ground troops to pinpoint sniper fire in battle.<ref name="ProQuest" />  Packbot has also been used to explore buildings and other possibly dangerous areas with the modified light Packbot Explorer, which only weighs 30 pounds and is faster than the Packbot 510.<ref name="ProQuest" />  In addition, [[iRobot]] sent two Packbot 510 robots to Japan after the tsunami and earthquake destroyed Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The robot was used on several reconnaissance missions at the power plant to remove debris and measure radiation readings.
== See also ==
* [[Military robot]]
* [[Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle]]
* [[Foster-Miller TALON]]
* [[Mobile robot|Mobile Robot]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* [http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot3.htm Howstuffworks' website about the PackBot]
* [http://endeavorrobotics.com Website of Endeavor Robotics, the manufacturer of the PackBot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105163417/http://www.endeavorrobotics.com/ |date=2016-11-05 }}
* [http://endeavorrobotics.com/products#510-packbot PackBot details in manufacturer website.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701143116/http://endeavorrobotics.com/products#510-packbot |date=2019-07-01 }}
{{iRobot}}
[[Category:Unmanned ground vehicles]]
[[Category:Military robots]]
[[Category:IRobot]]