I guess it was due to happen sooner or later. The well known consumer and military robot manufacturer iRobot announced today that they will be joining forces with TASER International to deliver a Packbot equipped with the TASER X26 gun.
The TASER X26 uses a replaceable cartridge containing compressed nitrogen to deploy two small probes that are attached to the TASER X26 by insulated conductive wires with a maximum length of 35 feet (10.6 meters). The TASER X26 transmits electrical pulses along the wires and into the body affecting the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system. The energy can penetrate up to two cumulative inches of clothing, or one inch per probe.
Until now, iRobot has supplied remote-controlled robots to the military and law enforcement agencies for passive use such as the surveillance of hazardous areas and the handling of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED); chances are that if you watched the bomb squad remotely detonating a suspicious package they were probably using an iRobot Packbot.
As of today, the Packbot will be going on the offensive since from now on it can also be used to subdue a suspect or enemy combatant using TASER technology.
The two companies have said that they have already developed a prototype robot, the Packbot Explorer equipped with the TASER X26; they plan to unveil it to the public in two weeks time during the TASER Tactical Conference, July 9-10, at the Westin O'Hare in Chicago.
Preps everywhere take notice!
Photos are copyright TASER International and iRobot.
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