From the factory floor to the battlefield, the use of robots across industries has seen a tremendous increase in the past few years, with many of the remote-controlled, or in some cases, self-learning, machines constructed right here in the Hub.
Paving the way to the proliferation of these devices is Boston tech company iRobot, the area anchor that recently unveiled a series of upgrades to iRobot 110 FirstLook, one of its robots designed for military defense and law enforcement.
The FirstLook does exactly what its name so suggests, which is provide its users with an initial scan of an area, allowing them to gage the danger of a given situation from a safe and secure vantage point. The device is outfitted with a quad of thermal cameras and two-way audio communication, enabling it to relay information on an environment from all angles. Though it only weighs five-pounds, the robot's sturdy and waterproof body can weather tough terrain, climb stairs and even survive 16-foot drops (note the dramatic video demonstration above). The FirstLook's ability to withstand such tumbles, quickly right itself post-landing and instantly begin scanning the scene are essential to keeping the teams it serves out of harms way. Though the FirstLook costs $20,000, the number of lives a single robot can protect are countless, and their values priceless.
The recent upgrades to the device include a smaller and lighter manipulator, allowing the FirstLook to easily pick up and move objects weighing up to three pounds, according to Forbes. Additionally, the robot's CBRN sensors are queued to detect hazardous chemical materials, gases and radiation leaks. With all the above features and an improved battery life that lasts up to six hours, the 110 FirstLook robot is soon to be the new trusted friend of soldiers, SWAT teams and police and fire units everywhere.
Video courtesy of iRobot.
