"PackBot Touch" iRobot-Novint Partnership Announced

Seems like Touch is all the rage. IPhone with multitouch, iPod Touch, now the PackBot Touch. At least, that's the name I'm giving it. iRobot has a contract to partner with startup Novint Technologies of New Mexico to develop a "Remote Touch Kit" for the PackBot so that soldiers can feel what the PackBot feels. The new controls will let the soldier feel how hard the PackBot is squeezing, feel when the arm touches a wire, and feel bumps and jerks when traveling. I know I'd want the touch feature for the sensitive job of picking up IED's and unexploded bombs.

The result will be greatly reduced task times and operator burden, increased dexterity and situational awareness, and reduced training, according to Novint.

"As demand for unmanned military robots continues to grow, Novint's touch technology will play a crucial role in enhancing operator control during mission-tasks such as bomb disposal or surveillance," said Tom Anderson, CEO of Novint Technologies. "iRobot is the leader in developing next-generation robotics capabilities and has delivered more than 2,500 PackBot robots to the military. Novint is pleased to be working alongside iRobot to deliver new capabilities that will help keep soldiers out of harm's way."

By the way, Novint only has 4 employees and isn't anywhere close to being profitable.

Tags: iRobot, Novint