ReconRobotics, Inc.

History

ReconRobotics, Inc. was founded in 2006 to commercialize robotics technology developed at the University of Minnesota Distributed Robotics Laboratory under funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The company introduced the world’s first tactical micro-robot – the Recon Scout® – in 2007. Since then, the company has designed and engineered several new-generation robot systems and accessories to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies and the military. On May 3, 2011, ReconRobotics signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) to develop a robot with magnetic wheels to climb over the hull of a ship. In April 2012, ReconRobotics acquired Xollai LLC, a company specializing in automated guidance, optics, and recognition technology. In June 2012, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and ReconRobotics signed a cooperative research and development agreement to “identify, evaluate, and develop a range of mutually beneficial technologies.” In 2013, ReconRobotics was recognized as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company magazine. The company was ranked 44th along with several other robotics companies.

Throwbot® XT

The Throwbot XT is capable of transmitting audio and visual reconnaissance to military, counterterrorism, and tactical law enforcement personnel. The robot is highly water-resistant, exceptionally quiet, and can survive throws up to 120 feet (36 meters). The infrared optical system also allows users to see in complete darkness.

Recon Scout Throwbot LE

The Recon Scout Throwbot LE is an affordable reconnaissance robot that is primarily used by police patrol officers to identify hidden threats and search confined spaces.

Recon Scout IR

The Recon Scout IR is a throwable reconnaissance robot with the ability to see in complete darkness. Its infrared optical system automatically turns on when ambient light is low.

Recon Scout UVI

The Recon Scout UVI enables operators to safely inspect vehicle undercarriages. Instead of using hand-held mirrors, the robot allows a user to get a complete direct view of the undercarriage while searching for narcotics or explosives.

Recon Scout XL

The Recon Scout XL is a rugged micro-robot meant to traverse varied terrain. Its wheels can climb over 4-inch (10.2-centimeter) obstacles, enabling operators to drive it through landscapes of rocks, grass, sand and debris.

Robotics Accessories

ReconRobotics manufactures and sells a variety of accessories for its robotics systems. These include a SearchStick™ that can clasp a robot and be used as a pole camera, a field charging station, and a command station to monitor simultaneous robot use.

Military Robotics

The United States military and dozens of friendly forces utilize the company’s Recon Scout and Throwbot systems in high-risk operations. The robots save lives by providing dismounted fire teams with increased situational awareness and standoff distance during urban warfare, compound clearing operations, and surveillance missions. In June 2012, the United States Army’s Rapid Equipping Force issued an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for up to 1,000 of the company’s micro-robots for use by soldiers and Marines. This was the company’s fifth major military contract since August 2011.

Law Enforcement Robotics

More than 550 tactical teams, worldwide, use the company’s Recon Scout and Throwbot systems to protect the lives of personnel and speed the resolution of high-risk operations, including barricaded subject situations, narcotics raids and hostage rescue missions. The video and audio reconnaissance provided by these systems allows tactical operators to quickly clear rooms and buildings, leading to increased safety for officers and civilians. Federal clients include the FBI, ATF, State Department and U.S. Marshals Service.

International Operations

ReconRobotics’ international operations are marketed outside North America by a reseller network in 33 countries.

Management

Mack Traynor, President and CEO

Andrew Drenner, PhD, Chief Technology Officer