ReconRobotics, Inc., developer of tactical, micro-robot systems, announced that it will be providing the U.S Army Rapid Equipping Force with 315 Recon Scout XT micro-robot kits and SearchStick devices in a contract amounting to $4.8 million. The company has developed its SearchStick devices for deployment by warfighters. The devices can be used to transform Recon Scout Throwbots into pole cameras for warfighters. Leveraging these, warfighters can look beyond compound walls, into culverts and over rooftops. The company is expecting to complete the delivery of the micro-robot systems by October 31.

In a release, Ernest Langdon, Director of Military Programs for ReconRobotics, said, "The era of the personal robot has arrived for U.S. troops and, like the ballistic vest and night vision goggles, our Recon Scout XTs will save many lives. We are extremely proud that the U.S. military has chosen ReconRobotics to help protect our warfighters as they conduct dismounted operations in theatre."

The Recon Scout XT micro-robots will help enhance the situational awareness of the fire-team level as well as increase standoff distance for operations involving route- and compound-clearing. Currently the U.S. military, a number of law enforcement agencies across the globe as well as several international forces have deployed more than 2,000 of ReconRobotics Recon Scout systems.

The Recon Scout system can provide warfighters with layouts for enclosed spaces, help in the identification of possible IEDs and provide a fix on the location of personnel, both friendly and enemy.  

ReconRobotics has designed its Recon Scout XT as a light weight system weighing only 1.2lbs (540g). However, the system offers quick deployments (within five seconds) and can be thrown up to 120 feet (36m). The simple and durable Recon Scout XT has been designed for single button control and building on its reliability, can be easily recharged even in field conditions via the standard 5590 or 2590 batteries.

Established in 2006, ReconRobotics is a provider of tactical, micro-robotic systems. The company's Recon Scout and Throwbot system have been designed to increase situational awareness and increase the standoff distance for personnel which can help in improved mission planning and execution, increased safety and extend more control over collateral damage.