ReconRobotics Introduces Throwable, Mobile Search and Rescue Device

Recon Scout® Rescue Will Provide Immediate Reconnaissance of Confined and Dangerous Environments

EDINA, Minn. – ReconRobotics, Inc. today announced the introduction of the Recon Scout® Rescue, a miniature reconnaissance device that will allow search-and-rescue personnel to conduct immediate visual reconnaissance of confined spaces and dangerous indoor and outdoor environments. In the fire/rescue sector the device is unique in that it is extremely small, throwable and mobile. Equipped with large motors, powerful drive trains and aggressive wheels, the one-pound Recon Scout Rescue can be directed by a firefighter to move through an environment and transmit real-time video back to the firefighter’s handheld operator control unit as well as to the incident command post. This video can be used to locate victims, explosive devices or other hazardous materials.

The Recon Scout Rescue is a variant of the company’s highly successful micro-devices that it builds for the U.S. military and various federal agencies. The Rescue is just eight inches long and weighs just 1.3 lbs., making it extremely easy to carry and throw. Moreover, deploying the Rescue takes just 10 seconds, and using it requires no special training. A firefighter simply pulls the activation pin and throws the device through a doorway or over a wall, or drops it down a vertical shaft using a tether. Using a single joystick on the operator control unit (OCU), the firefighter can then direct the device to move through the environment. Equipped with an infrared optical system that automatically turns on when the ambient light is low, the Rescue can see in complete darkness and can transmit video up to 100 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. When packaged with a ReconRobotics Command Monitoring Station, the Recon Scout Rescue can also transmit video to an incident command post that is located up to 1,000 feet away.

Fire/rescue agencies can also specify the Rescue in any of three transmitting frequencies, allowing their front line personnel to operate up to three devices in the same environment at the same time.

According to CEO, Alan Bignall, the Rescue is designed to protect the lives of front line personnel during hazardous operations. “When fire/rescue personnel arrive on the scene of a disaster or major search and rescue operation, there is an urgent need for quick reconnaissance of the situation,” says Bignall. “The Rescue Scout can be thrown into the environment by front line personnel, and in a matter of seconds it will give the incident commander a clear picture of what he or she is up against. A small mobile device like this is the best way to let the firefighters know what lies ahead.”

In addition to its small size and mobility, the new Rescue has several performance characteristics that make it ideally suited to search and confined-space operations:

Visible: Its bright yellow finish makes it easy to see even in cluttered environments
Easy To Deploy: Simply pull the pin and throw the robot into the environment. A single thumb-controlled joystick on the OCU controls the movement of the device.
Perceptive: The Rescue’s infrared optical systems automatically turn on when the ambient light is low enabling the device to “see” in complete darkness.
Durable: Constructed with a titanium shell and toughened electronics, the Rescue can survive repeated horizontal throws of 120 feet and vertical drops of 30 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.