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{{Short description|American tracked military robot}}
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[[Image:SWORDS robot.jpg|thumb|right|The SWORDS system allows soldiers to fire [[small arms]] weapons by remote control from as far as 1,000 meters away]]
{{Redirect|SWORDS||Swords (disambiguation)}}
{{Multiple issues|{{Lead too short|date=September 2019}}
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{{Advert|date=September 2019}}}}[[Image:SWORDS robot.jpg|thumb|The SWORDS system allows soldiers to fire [[small arms]] weapons by remote control from as far as over {{convert|3937|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} away. This example is fitted with an [[M249 Squad Automatic Weapon|M249 SAW]].|231x231px]]
[[Image:TALON-3.jpg|thumb|Control station]]
[[Image:TALON-3.jpg|thumb|Control station]]
The '''Foster-Miller TALON''' is a [[Remotely operated robot|remotely operated]], tracked [[military robot]] designed for missions ranging from [[reconnaissance]] to [[combat]]. It is made by the American robotics company [[Foster-Miller|QinetiQ-NA]], a subsidiary of [[Qinetiq|QinetiQ]].


==Overview==
The [[Foster-Miller]] TALON™ robot is a small [[military robot]] designed for missions ranging from reconnaissance to combat.
[[Foster-Miller]] claims the TALON is one of the fastest robots in production, one that can travel through sand, water, and snow, as well as climb stairs. The TALON transmits in color, black and white, [[infrared]], and/or [[night vision]] to its operator who may be up to about {{convert|3937|ft|m|abbr=on}} away.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-09-16 |title= |url=http://www.foster-miller.com/literature/documents/TALON-Brochure.pdf#talon_brochure |access-date=2022-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916034854/http://www.foster-miller.com/literature/documents/TALON-Brochure.pdf#talon_brochure |archive-date=2008-09-16}}</ref> It can run off [[lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]] for a maximum of seven days on standby before needing to [[Rechargeable battery|recharge]]. It has an 8.5-hour battery life at normal operating speeds, two standard lead batteries providing two hours each, and one optional lithium ion providing an additional 4.57 hours. It can withstand repeated decontamination, allowing it to work for extended periods of time in contaminated areas. It was used at [[Ground Zero]] after the [[September 11 attacks]], working for 45 days under contaminated conditions without electronic failure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fostermiller.com/lemming.htm |title=TALON Military Robots, EOD, SWORDS, and Hazmat Robots - Foster-Miller |publisher=Foster-Miller |access-date=2009-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808120417/http://www.fostermiller.com/lemming.htm |archive-date=2008-08-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This led to the further development of the [[HAZMAT]] TALON.


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It weighs less than {{convert|100|lb|kg}}, or {{convert|60|lb|kg}} for the reconnaissance version. Its cargo bay can accommodate a variety of sensor payloads. The robot is controlled through a [[two-way radio]] or [[Fiber-optic communication|fiber-optic link]] from a portable or wearable Operator Control Unit ([[Operator Control Unit|OCU]]) that provides continuous data and video feedback for precise vehicle positioning.
It is a [[tracked vehicle]] said to be one of the fastest robot in the market. It can travel almost anywhere, through sand, snow, underwater (out to depths of 100 feet), climb stairs (a feat for any modern robot) and all the while showing the operator, up to 1,000 m away, the world in colour, black and white, infrared, and night vision. It can run off lithium-ion batteries for a maximum of 7 days (call it standby mode, not seven days of running mode) independently before needing recharging. It can also withstand repeated decontamination allowing it to work for long periods of time in contaminated areas. It was used in ground zero after the September 11th attacks working for 45 days with many decontaminations without electronic failure. This led to the further development of the HAZMAT Talon.


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Regular (IED/EOD) TALON: Carries [[sensor]]s and a [[Manipulator (device)|robotic manipulator]], which are used by the U.S. military for [[explosive ordnance disposal]] and disarming [[improvised explosive devices]].
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It weighs less than 100 lb (45 kg) or 60 lb (27 kg) for the Reconnaissance version. Its cargo bay accommodates a variety of sensor payloads. The robot is controlled through a two-way radio or fiber optic line from a portable or wearable Operator Control Unit (OCU) that provides continuous data and video feedback for precise vehicle positioning.


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Special Operations TALON (SOTALON): Does not have the robotic arm manipulator but carries day/night color [[camera]]s and listening devices; lighter due to the absence of the arm, for reconnaissance missions.
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Regular (IED/OED) TALON: It carries sensors and a robotic manipulator, which is used by the U.S. Army for explosive [[ordinance disposal]] and disarming [[improvised explosive devices]].


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SWORDS TALON: For small arms combat and guard roles. Evaluated in December 2003 in [[Kuwait]] prior to deployment in [[Iraq]].
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Reconnaissance TALON: Doesn't have the robotic arm manipulator but carries day/night color cameras and listening devices, its also lighter due to the absence of the arm.


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HAZMAT TALON: Uses [[chemical]], [[gas]], [[temperature]], and [[radiation]] sensors that are displayed in real-time to the user on a hand-held display unit. It is now being evaluated by the US Armament Research Development and Engineering Centre ([[ARDEC]]).
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SWORDS TALON: Another version has been created called SWORDS for small arms combat and guard roles. Tested in December 2003 in Kuwait prior to deployment in Iraq.


C-TALON is an unmanned robot designed to be used in both land and water environments. It is specifically designed for turbulent water environments, coastal waters, and limited access harbors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=C-TALON Submersible Security Robot |url=https://www.qinetiq.com/en/what-we-do/services-and-products/c-talon-submersible-security-robot |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=www.qinetiq.com}}</ref> It has high-resolution [[imaging sonar]], among other key features.
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HAZMAT (First Responders) TALON: Becoming available in 2004 using chemical, gas, temperature, and radiation sensors that are displayed in real time to the user on a hand-held display unit. It is now being tested by the US Armament Research Development and Engineering Center [[ARDEC]].


The robot costs approximately $60,000 in its standard form. [[Foster-Miller]] were subsequently bought out by [[QinetiQ]] a [[United Kingdom]] military developer.
The robot costs approximately $6,000,000 in its standard form. [[Foster-Miller]] was subsequently bought out by [[QinetiQ]], a [[United Kingdom]] military developer.


==SWORDS==<!-- This section is linked from [[M249 Squad Automatic Weapon]] -->
==SWORDS==
[[File:Foster-Miller TALON SWORDS.jpg|thumb|right|Foster-Miller TALON SWORDS units equipped with various weaponry.]]


'''SWORDS''' or the '''Special Weapons Observation Reconnaissance Detection System''', is a weaponized version being developed by [[Foster-Miller]] for the US Army. The robot is composed of a weapons system mounted on the standard TALON [[chassis]]. The current price of one unit is $230,000, but when it enters mass production the price is expected to drop to between $150,000 and $180,000. In comparison to train a US soldier to a basic level of expertese with [[Recruit training|OSUT]] or [[AIT]] would cost $50,000 to $100,000. To train them for positions in [[Armor]] or [[Cavalry]] would run in the region of $100,000 to $200,000.
'''SWORDS''', or the '''Special Weapons Observation Reconnaissance Detection System''', is a weaponized version of the robot that is being developed by Foster-Miller for the US Army. The robot is composed of a weapons system mounted on the standard TALON [[chassis]]. The current price of one unit is $230,000; however, Foster-Miller claims that when it enters mass production the price may drop to between $150,000 and $180,000.


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There are a variety of different weapons which can be placed on the SWORDS, which include the [[M16 rifle]], 5.56&nbsp;mm SAW [[M249 Squad Automatic Weapon|M249]], 7.62mm [[M240 machine gun]], .50 Cal [[M82 Barrett rifle]], six barreled 40&nbsp;mm [[grenade launcher]] and quad 66mm [[M202A1 FLASH]] [[incendiary weapon]].
In monetary terms a TALON can easily be repaired, while a human casualty most likely will be killed or seriously injured, to say nothing of the irreparable emotional damage that soldier's family and friends would feel as a result of this. There is also the issue of a soldier's pension and burial, which raise the price of a human soldier even more.


SWORDS units are not autonomous, but instead controlled by a soldier using a small console to remotely control the robot. Foster-Miller are currently at work on a "[[Game Boy]]" style controller with [[Virtual reality headset|virtual-reality headsets]] for future operators.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Klevjer |first=Rune |url=https://www.academia.edu/1431575 |title=What is the Avatar? |date=2007-03-01 |publisher=transcript Verlag |isbn=978-3-8394-4579-2}}</ref>
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There are a variety of different weapons that can be placed on the SWORDS; [[M16]], 5.56 mm SAW [[M249]], 7.62 mm [[M240]], Barrett .50 cal [[M2 machine gun]], a six barrelled 40 mm [[grenade launcher]] or quad 66 mm [[M202-A1]] [[anti-tank rocket launcher]].


In 2007, three SWORDS units were deployed to Iraq. The units were each armed with an [[M249]] machine gun. This deployment marked the first instance of robots carrying guns into battle;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/08/httpwwwnational.html |title=First Armed Robots on Patrol in Iraq (Updated) &#124; Danger Room &#124; Wired.com |publisher=Blog.wired.com |date=2007-08-02 |access-date=2009-09-23 |first=Noah |last=Shachtman}}</ref> however, the [[United States Army]] never gave authorization to use them so the weapons were not used in combat.<ref name="popularmechanics_20080415">{{cite web|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/a2804/4258963/|title=The Inside Story of the SWORDS Armed Robot "Pullout" in Iraq: Update|publisher=[[Popular Mechanics]]|date=2008-04-15}}</ref> The Army stopped funding the SWORDS robots after deploying the initial three robots. Foster-Miller is working on a successor: the [[Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System]] (MAARS).
On the firing range, these two-foot little high robots are lethal. With an efficiency that a human could never replicate, the SWORDS are the snipers motto, "one shot, one kill". The robot is not [[Wiktionary:autonomy|autonomous]], but instead has to be controlled by a soldier using a small console to remotely direct the device and fire its weapons. Foster-Miller are currently at work on a "[[Game Boy]]" style controller with virtual-reality goggles for future operators.

By August 2013, the [[Smithsonian Institution]] had acquired a SWORDS robot for its collection. One is also on display at the [[National Infantry Museum]] in [[Fort Benning]], [[Georgia (U.S. State)|Georgia]].<ref>[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1236 Future of Armed Ground Robots in Combat Still Debated] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214105116/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1236 |date=2016-02-14 }} - Nationaldefensemagazine.org, 15 August 2013</ref>


==Deployment==
==Deployment==


The Talon has been deployed in military service since 2000 being used in [[Bosnia]] for the movement of munitions and EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) to get rid of grenades. Also used in Ground Zero after the September 11th attacks in search and recovery. It is the only robot used in this effort that didn't require any major repair. Foster-Miller says that the Talon was used for a ''Classified mission'' by US Special Forces in the war against the [[Taliban]] in [[Afghanistan]] as well as in a EOD role. In [[Iraq]] its standard role has been performing EOD and IED (improvised explosive devices) destruction missions. Its combat SWORDS version is now being used there in a guard role protecting front line buildings from attack. According to Foster-Miller it has performed 20,000 EOD missions in the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Talon has been deployed in military service since 2000 - for example, in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] for the movement of [[munitions]] and EOD ([[explosive ordnance disposal]]) to dispose of [[grenade]]s. It was also used at [[Ground Zero (9/11)|Ground Zero]] after the September 11th attacks in search and recovery. It is the only robot used in this effort that did not require any major repair.<ref name="army-technology.com">[http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/civil/foster_miller/ Army Technology - Foster-Miller - TALON Robots for Nuclear / Chemical Detection, EOD, IED, Weaponization and Reconnaissance<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060311211055/http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/civil/foster_miller/ |date=March 11, 2006 }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=August 2016}} Foster-Miller claims the Talon was used for a classified mission by [[US Special Forces]] in the war against the [[Taliban]] in [[Afghanistan]],<ref name="army-technology.com"/> as well as in an EOD role. In [[Iraq]], its standard role has been performing EOD and IED destruction missions. Its combat SWORDS version is now being used there as a guard protecting front line buildings from attack. According to Foster-Miller, the robot has performed around 20,000 EOD missions in the conflicts in [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]].


As of late 2014, the Army was refurbishing 353 Talon IV robots, with 296 going to Army engineers and 57 to the [[Army National Guard]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20141115170248/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141115/DEFREG02/311150033/US-Army-Works-Toward-Single-Ground-Robot?odyssey=mod_sectionstories US Army Works Toward Single Ground Robot] - Defensenews.com, 15 November 2014</ref>
== See also ==
* [[Military robot]]
* [[Foster-Miller]]
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* [[QinetiQ]]


== External links ==
==See also==
* [[MATILDA]] - military robot
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* [[PackBot]]
* [[Remotec ANDROS]]
* [[Unmanned ground vehicle Miloš]]
* [[XM1219 armed robotic vehicle]]
* [[Gladiator tactical unmanned ground vehicle]]
* [[SGR-A1]]
* [[Wheelbarrow (robot)|Wheelbarrow]] bomb disposal robot

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.defenselink.mil/transformation/articles/2004-12/ta120604c.html Article about the SWORD robot]
* [http://www.defenselink.mil/transformation/articles/2004-12/ta120604c.html Article about the SWORD robot]
* [http://www.fostermiller.com/lemming.htm Foster-Miller's Talon Home]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110203110541/http://foster-miller.qinetiq-na.com/ Foster-Miller's Talon Home]
* [http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot2.htm Howstuffworks' website of the TALON]
* [http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot2.htm Howstuffworks' website on the TALON]
* [http://www.pica.army.mil/voice2004/041217/041217%20Talon.htm Armed robots soon marching to battle?] ''The Voice''
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/talon.htm TALON Small Mobile Robot]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/talon.htm TALON Small Mobile Robot]
* [http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/08/httpwwwnational.html WIRED: First Armed Robots on Patrol in Iraq]
* [http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/civil/foster_miller/ FOSTER-MILLER - ROBOTS FOR NUCLEAR / CHEMICAL DETECTION, EOD, IED, WEAPONIZATION AND RECONNAISSANCE]
* [http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/08/armed-robots-so.html WIRED: Armed Robots Pushed To Police]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100205083139/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4252643.html?page=2 America's Robot Army]
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[[Category:Unmanned vehicles]]
* [http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/CaMEL/Documents/MADSS_datasht.pdf Mobile Armed Dismount Support System (MADSS)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222160511/http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/CaMEL/Documents/MADSS_datasht.pdf |date=2014-02-22 }}
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[[Category:Robots]]
{{Qinetiq}}
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[[Category:Military robots]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Foster-Miller Talon}}
[[de:SWORDS]]
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[[Category:2000s robots]]
[[eo:SWORDS]]
[[Category:Robots of the United Kingdom]]
[[pt:SWORDS]]
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[[Category:Tracked robots]]
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[[Category:Unmanned ground combat vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s]]

Latest revision as of 11:40, 13 December 2024

"SWORDS" redirects here. For other uses, see Swords (disambiguation).
The SWORDS system allows soldiers to fire small arms weapons by remote control from as far as over 3,937 feet (1,200 meters) away. This example is fitted with an M249 SAW.
Control station

The Foster-Miller TALON is a remotely operated, tracked military robot designed for missions ranging from reconnaissance to combat. It is made by the American robotics company QinetiQ-NA, a subsidiary of QinetiQ.

Overview

[edit]

Foster-Miller claims the TALON is one of the fastest robots in production, one that can travel through sand, water, and snow, as well as climb stairs. The TALON transmits in color, black and white, infrared, and/or night vision to its operator who may be up to about 3,937 ft (1,200 m) away.[1] It can run off lithium-ion batteries for a maximum of seven days on standby before needing to recharge. It has an 8.5-hour battery life at normal operating speeds, two standard lead batteries providing two hours each, and one optional lithium ion providing an additional 4.57 hours. It can withstand repeated decontamination, allowing it to work for extended periods of time in contaminated areas. It was used at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks, working for 45 days under contaminated conditions without electronic failure.[2] This led to the further development of the HAZMAT TALON.

It weighs less than 100 pounds (45 kg), or 60 pounds (27 kg) for the reconnaissance version. Its cargo bay can accommodate a variety of sensor payloads. The robot is controlled through a two-way radio or fiber-optic link from a portable or wearable Operator Control Unit (OCU) that provides continuous data and video feedback for precise vehicle positioning.

Regular (IED/EOD) TALON: Carries sensors and a robotic manipulator, which are used by the U.S. military for explosive ordnance disposal and disarming improvised explosive devices.

Special Operations TALON (SOTALON): Does not have the robotic arm manipulator but carries day/night color cameras and listening devices; lighter due to the absence of the arm, for reconnaissance missions.

SWORDS TALON: For small arms combat and guard roles. Evaluated in December 2003 in Kuwait prior to deployment in Iraq.

HAZMAT TALON: Uses chemical, gas, temperature, and radiation sensors that are displayed in real-time to the user on a hand-held display unit. It is now being evaluated by the US Armament Research Development and Engineering Centre (ARDEC).

C-TALON is an unmanned robot designed to be used in both land and water environments. It is specifically designed for turbulent water environments, coastal waters, and limited access harbors.[3] It has high-resolution imaging sonar, among other key features.

The robot costs approximately $6,000,000 in its standard form. Foster-Miller was subsequently bought out by QinetiQ, a United Kingdom military developer.

SWORDS

[edit]
Foster-Miller TALON SWORDS units equipped with various weaponry.

SWORDS, or the Special Weapons Observation Reconnaissance Detection System, is a weaponized version of the robot that is being developed by Foster-Miller for the US Army. The robot is composed of a weapons system mounted on the standard TALON chassis. The current price of one unit is $230,000; however, Foster-Miller claims that when it enters mass production the price may drop to between $150,000 and $180,000.

There are a variety of different weapons which can be placed on the SWORDS, which include the M16 rifle, 5.56 mm SAW M249, 7.62mm M240 machine gun, .50 Cal M82 Barrett rifle, six barreled 40 mm grenade launcher and quad 66mm M202A1 FLASH incendiary weapon.

SWORDS units are not autonomous, but instead controlled by a soldier using a small console to remotely control the robot. Foster-Miller are currently at work on a "Game Boy" style controller with virtual-reality headsets for future operators.[4]

In 2007, three SWORDS units were deployed to Iraq. The units were each armed with an M249 machine gun. This deployment marked the first instance of robots carrying guns into battle;[5] however, the United States Army never gave authorization to use them so the weapons were not used in combat.[6] The Army stopped funding the SWORDS robots after deploying the initial three robots. Foster-Miller is working on a successor: the Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System (MAARS).

By August 2013, the Smithsonian Institution had acquired a SWORDS robot for its collection. One is also on display at the National Infantry Museum in Fort Benning, Georgia.[7]

Deployment

[edit]

The Talon has been deployed in military service since 2000 - for example, in Bosnia for the movement of munitions and EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) to dispose of grenades. It was also used at Ground Zero after the September 11th attacks in search and recovery. It is the only robot used in this effort that did not require any major repair.[8][unreliable source?] Foster-Miller claims the Talon was used for a classified mission by US Special Forces in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan,[8] as well as in an EOD role. In Iraq, its standard role has been performing EOD and IED destruction missions. Its combat SWORDS version is now being used there as a guard protecting front line buildings from attack. According to Foster-Miller, the robot has performed around 20,000 EOD missions in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As of late 2014, the Army was refurbishing 353 Talon IV robots, with 296 going to Army engineers and 57 to the Army National Guard.[9]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ . 2008-09-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20080916034854/http://www.foster-miller.com/literature/documents/TALON-Brochure.pdf#talon_brochure. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-09-16. Retrieved 2022-11-10. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ "TALON Military Robots, EOD, SWORDS, and Hazmat Robots - Foster-Miller". Foster-Miller. Archived from the original on 2008-08-08. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  3. ^ "C-TALON Submersible Security Robot". www.qinetiq.com. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  4. ^ Klevjer, Rune (2007-03-01). What is the Avatar?. transcript Verlag. ISBN 978-3-8394-4579-2.
  5. ^ Shachtman, Noah (2007-08-02). "First Armed Robots on Patrol in Iraq (Updated) | Danger Room | Wired.com". Blog.wired.com. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  6. ^ "The Inside Story of the SWORDS Armed Robot "Pullout" in Iraq: Update". Popular Mechanics. 2008-04-15.
  7. ^ Future of Armed Ground Robots in Combat Still Debated Archived 2016-02-14 at the Wayback Machine - Nationaldefensemagazine.org, 15 August 2013
  8. ^ a b Army Technology - Foster-Miller - TALON Robots for Nuclear / Chemical Detection, EOD, IED, Weaponization and Reconnaissance Archived March 11, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ US Army Works Toward Single Ground Robot - Defensenews.com, 15 November 2014
[edit]
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