BURLINGTON, Mass., August 2, 2006 – iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT) today announced it has signed an agreement with the German Bundeswehr (Federal Defense Force) to deliver 18 iRobot® PackBot® EOD robots, spare parts and repair services this year, with a follow-on option for 22 additional robots in 2007. The bomb disposal robots will be used by German forces to identify and dispose of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
iRobot was among six companies that participated in the competitive bid process. The PackBot EOD was selected for its durable, lightweight and compact design – key attributes for executing successful IED missions.
“Military organizations worldwide are embracing new technology to assist 21st century warfighters,” said Helen Greiner, iRobot co-founder and chairman. “iRobot is well positioned to become a global robot supplier as more countries choose to deploy the combat-proven PackBot rather than sending soldiers into dangerous situations.”
This is the second international contract iRobot has announced in recent days. Last week, the company announced an agreement to deliver 30 PackBot robots, spare parts and support to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence. The robots will be used to identify and dispose of IEDs as part of the country’s effort to combat terrorism.
PackBot continues to grow in popularity because of its modular architecture, which allows developers to integrate various payload capabilities that help to keep first responders and troops out of harm’s way.
To date, iRobot has delivered more than 500 PackBot robots to a broad range of military and civilian customers worldwide. The robots have performed tens of thousands of missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and are credited with saving soldiers’ lives.
About iRobot Corp. iRobot is a provider of robots that perform dull, dirty or dangerous missions in a better way. The company's proprietary technology, iRobot AWARE Robot Intelligence Systems, incorporates advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence. This proprietary system enables iRobot to build behavior-based robots, including its family of consumer and military robots. For additional information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.
For iRobot Investors Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, iRobot Corporation’s expectations concerning estimates of future revenues, its business outlook and business momentum and the market adoption of its products. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding risks faced by iRobot Corporation, see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| Contact: | |
| Elena Frigeri A&R Edelman for iRobot Corp. (212) 642-7799 Elena.Frigeri@ar-edelman.com | Laura Taylor A&R Edelman for iRobot Corp. (202) 370-6188 ltaylor01@ar-edelman.com |