Popular Science Names the Recon Scout XT a Top Tech Innovation for 2011

Minnesota-Made Robot Protects the Lives of Soldiers and Police

EDINA, Minn. –ReconRobotics, Inc. announced today that the company’s Recon Scout® XT micro-robot has been named one of the Top 100 Tech Innovations of 2011 by Popular Science magazine. The “Best of What’s New” issue annually recognizes the innovations that “promise to make life safer, smarter, easier and more fun” – an ideal fit for the Recon Scout XT, which is used by SWAT teams and soldiers to gain life-saving situational awareness during high-risk operations. In recognizing the innovation behind the throwable micro-robot, the editors observed that “The Scout XT is tough enough to be tossed into any kind of environment—through a window, up a flight of stairs, into a puddle of water—and driven around remotely, beaming live video back to its handler.” In 2011 alone, the U.S. military has ordered more than 700 Recon Scout XT systems to help protect dismounted troops in Afghanistan.

“We are honored to have one of our micro-robots recognized by the editors of Popular Science,” said Alan Bignall, President and CEO of ReconRobotics. “Our engineering teams deserve much of the credit for this award because they designed a robot that is sublimely small, simple and durable. Not surprisingly, that is just what our soldiers and police officers need when they’re in harm’s way.”

The Recon Scout XT weighs just 1.2lbs, and can be deployed in five seconds and thrown up to 120 feet.

About ReconRobotics, Inc.
ReconRobotics is a leader and innovator in ultra-light tactical, micro-robot and UGV systems. Over 5,000 of the company’s Recon Scout® and Throwbot® systems have been deployed by the U.S. military, first responders and international friendly forces, and by more than 900 law enforcement agencies, worldwide. These systems save lives by providing immediate situational awareness and greater standoff distance to warfighters and law enforcement personnel during high-risk operations. ReconRobotics is based in Edina, Minnesota, and markets its products through a distribution network in 35 countries.