New TALON tactical robot makes debut

A new man-transportable, tactical robot has been introduced into the military and law enforcement market by QinetiQ North America.

The robot, displayed at the 2014 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., is the TALON V. It is the first tactical, man-transportable robot that has successfully completed the U.S. Army’s TARDEC Interoperability Profile testing.

QinetiQ North America said it features 16 total I/O ports including IOP A and B connectors; JAUS AS4 compliant software; improved top-speed and high-torque drive motors; a heavy lift, multi-degree manipulator that can lift up to 65 pounds; and a user-defined graphical interface.

“Throughout its history, TALON has had industry-first and industry-leading features that protect the lives of those who protect us,” said Dr. Andrew Rogers, president of QNA. “TALON V is another example of the innovation that can happen when industry listens to and responds to the needs of our country’s military.”

Earlier models of the TALON have been used in an estimated 300,000 military operations abroad to counter improvised explosive devices, the company said.