iRobot 2010 Annual Report Download - page 52

during gutter cleaning. The Looj also features a detachable handle that doubles as a wireless remote control,
providing full control of the robot while cleaning.
Our Create Programmable Robot is a fully assembled programmable robot. The Create has ten built-in demos
and 32 sensors that allow users to experiment with robotics. An open cargo bay allows the user to add their grippers,
wireless connections, computers or other hardware. The Create is based on the iRobot Roomba technology and is
compatible with Roomba’s re-chargeable batteries, remote control and other accessories.
Government and Industrial Products
In government and industrial product markets, we currently offer both ground and maritime unmanned
vehicles. Our tactical ground robots include the combat-tested 510 PackBot line of small, unmanned ground robots,
the 310 SUGV and 320 SUGV (Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle) multi-purpose ground robots and the low-cost
210 Negotiator for state and local police and first responders. The PackBot, SUGV, and Negotiator robot series
make up a family of robots using many common platform components and offer our patented flipper technology
that enables robots to easily climb stairs, navigate rubble, and penetrate inaccessible areas. These robots are
designed to keep war fighters and public safety officials out of harm’s way and are designed for high-performance,
durability and ease of use while performing search, reconnaissance, mapping, bomb disposal and other dangerous
missions. As of January 1, 2011, more than 3,500 robots have been delivered to military and civil defense forces
worldwide. The robots are currently priced between approximately $20,000 and $195,000 per unit, depending on
configuration and quantities ordered.
We continue to refine the PackBot product line, focusing on enhanced modularity and providing new
capabilities to support new mission areas. Our unique Aware 2 software is incorporated into the advanced 510
PackBot chassis and operator control unit. As a result, PackBot can support multiple configurations and payloads
with the same chassis and operator control unit, providing customers with a single robot capable of multiple
missions. iRobot also utilizes Configure-To-Order (CTO) procurement options for our commercial 510 PackBot,
allowing customers to tailor the product to their specific mission needs. The combined benefits of the Aware 2
software and CTO procurement options establish the 510 PackBot as a truly modular multi-mission robotic
platform.
The 310 and 320 SUGV continue to see strong demand as a family of light weight backpackable robots well
suited to dismounted operations in Afghanistan. Over 300 310 SUGV mini-EODs were delivered in 2010 and
follow-on deliveries to the U.S. Air Force are currently in progress. The 320 SUGV (Army designation XM1216)
Increment I infantry robot completed development and a successful Limited User Test (LUT) leading to delivery of
30 Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) units in the fourth quarter. Increment 2 development efforts continued in
2010 leading to an expected critical design review in 2011. Within our maritime business, the 1Ka Seaglider is a
long endurance autonomous underwater vehicle designed for oceanic missions to measure temperature, salinity,
depth-averaged current and other data for scientific and military planners. During 2010 and as part of Operation
Clean Sweep, iRobot Seaglider robots were deployed to and assisted in monitoring the Gulf of Mexico oil spill
disaster. These Seagliders were equipped with sensors that aided in determining the presence of suspended oil
below the surface and also measured dissolved oxygen levels to help predict impacts on sea life.
Contract Research and Development Projects
We are involved in several contract development projects with various U.S. governmental agencies and
departments. The durations of these projects range from a few months to several years. These projects are usually
funded as either cost-plus, firm fixed price, or time and materials contracts. In a cost-plus contract, we are allowed to
recover our actual costs plus a fixed fee. The total price of a cost-plus contract is based primarily on allowable costs
incurred, but generally is subject to a maximum contract funding limit. Under a firm fixed price contract, we receive
a fixed amount upon satisfying contractually defined deliverables. On our time and materials contracts, we recover a
specific amount per hour worked based on a bill rate schedule, plus the cost of direct materials, subcontracts, and
other non-labor costs, including an agreed-upon mark-up. A time and materials contract may provide for a
not-to-exceed price ceiling, as well as the potential that we will absorb any cost overrun.
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