PackBot

A base with large tracked wheels supports a multi-jointed tall arm which has a gripper hand at one joint, and a camera system at the end. — PackBot goes where you shouldn't. Photo: FLIR Systems

The PackBot is an agile, mobile robot used for bomb disposal, hazmat, search, reconnaissance, and other dangerous missions. It can climb stairs, drive through mud, and operate in all-weather conditions.

Creator

Teledyne FLIR

(Originally developed by iRobot, and later commercialized by Endeavor Robotics, acquired by Teledyne FLIR.)

Year

2000

Country

United States 🇺🇸

Categories

Features

Rotating view of a mobile robot base with large tracked wheels and a tall, multi-jointed arm which has a gripper hand at one joint, and a camera system at the end. — See a 360° view of the PackBot. Photos: Carlton SooHoo

Did you know?

PackBot helped with security at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.

A man in military garb lies on a street looking at a computer. The PackBot is in front of him, and there is a tank to the side. — Bomb disposal training with the PackBot. Photo: Jean Claude Moschetti/REA/Redux

Overview of PackBot and its capabilities Video: FLIR Systems

History

PackBot was originally developed by iRobot as a search and rescue and bomb-disposal robot. More than 4,500 units were used by U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to search for and dispose of improvised explosive devices. The robot was used in 2011 by Japanese authorities to explore the highly radioactive interior of the damaged nuclear reactors in Fukushima. PackBot was later commercialized by Endeavor Robotics, acquired by Teledyne FLIR in 2019.

View from inside a concrete tunnel shows the robot reaching towards a cylinder. — Threat detection. Photo: FLIR Systems

Two wheeled robots with long extension arms open a door in a dark building. — PackBots were used at the Fukushima nuclear plant in 2011. Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun/AP Photo

Specs

Overview: Manipulator with lift capacity up to 20 kg (44 lb). Able to climb stairs and slopes up to 45 degrees. Equipped with multiple cameras and audio capability.
Status: Ongoing
Year: 2000
Website: flir.com/products/packbot
Width: 52.1 cm
Height: 17.8 cm
Length: 88.9 cm
Weight: 23.9 kg
Speed: 9.3 km/h (max)
Sensors: Cameras, GPS, compass, accelerometers, inclinometer. Optional sensors include gas detection meter, chemical warfare agent detector, gamma radiation detector, and thermal camera.
Degrees of Freedom (DoF): 8 (Manipulator arm: 4 DoF; Gripper: 2 DoF; Camera head: 2 DoF)
Compute: Computer with overheat protection. Wireless communication with mesh radio nodes.
Software: Aware 2 control software
Power: Removable 11.1-V 7,200-mAh lithium-ion battery, 4 hours of operation