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   More lifesaving tactical micro-robots heading to troops in AfghanistanEDINA, Minn.--(Business Wire)--ReconRobotics, Inc., the world leader in tactical micro-robot systems, announcedtoday that it has been awarded a $13.9 million contract by the U.S. Army`s RapidEquipping Force for up to 1,000 miniature, throwable, mobile robots. TheIndefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract will streamline thepurchasing process for deploying Army and Marine Corps units and speed deliveryon the company`s pre-priced micro-robot systems and accessories. The U.S.Military is acquiring the micro-robots to provide four- and five-man fire teamswith immediate tactical reconnaissance during urban warfare operations,surveillance missions and counter-IED efforts. ReconRobotics has alreadyreceived and begun delivering the first order under this contract for 84robots.  
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 The Throwbot(R) XT provides soldiers and Marines with immediate video and audioreconnaissance capabilities during urban warfare and compound clearingoperations. The robot can be thrown up to 120 feet, and has an infrared opticalsystem that allows it to see in complete darkness. (Photo: ReconRobotics)  ReconRobotics created an entirely new class of military robots in 2007 when itintroduced the throwable 1.2-lb (540g) Recon Scout micro-robot. Prior to thattime, military robots weighed 30 to 80lbs (13 to 36kg), were transported invehicles, and were deployed as company- or battalion-level assets. Today, awarfighter can carry his Throwbot XT in a pocket or small pack, and can deployit in less than five seconds to gain lifesaving video and audio reconnaissancebefore he enters a compound or other structure. This capability can reveal thenumber of enemy combatants, the presence of civilians and the locations ofimprovised explosive devices (IEDs). More than 2,000 of the company`s robots arecurrently deployed in Afghanistan. "For several years, our micro-robot systems have played a key role in protectingthe lives of our soldiers and Marines as they conduct operations in activecombat theatres," said Ernest Langdon, Director of Military Programs forReconRobotics. "We are honored that the Rapid Equipping Force has once againselected ReconRobotics to deliver this unique capability to those warfighters atthe tip of the spear." More than 4,600 Recon Scout micro-robots are deployed or under contract,worldwide. Extremely small and easy to deploy, they can be thrown up to 120 feet(36m) or lowered into crawl spaces or caves to search for weapons caches andother hidden threats. On June 8, ReconRobotics introduced the Throwbot XT, a newgeneration micro-robot that provides both audio eavesdropping capabilities andvideo reconnaissance to U.S. troops. The Throwbot XT also has an automatic,infrared optical system that gives the warfighter clear, crisp video even intotal darkness. Nearly 500 police and security agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Marshals, also use Recon Scout robotsfor tactical reconnaissance in high-risk operations, as do many allied militaryand police forces, worldwide. About ReconRobotics, Inc.ReconRobotics is the world leader in tactical, micro-robot systems. Thecompany`s Recon Scout and Throwbot systems save lives by providing immediatesituational awareness and greater standoff distance to warfighters and lawenforcement personnel. These capabilities protect personnel from hidden threats,enhance mission planning and execution, and minimize collateral damage.ReconRobotics is headquartered in Edina, Minnesota, USA and bases itsinternational operations in Lugano, Switzerland. The company markets itsproducts through a distribution network in 33 countries. 
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   ReconRobotics, Inc.Jack Klobucar, 952-292-8331Jack.Klobucar@ReconRobotics.comCopyright Business Wire 2012