TASER & iRobot: Creating the Terminator? (TASR, IRBT)

TASER International, Inc. (TASR-NASDAQ) has announced a strategic alliance with iRobot Corp. (IRBT-NASDAQ) to develop a new robotic capability utilizing TASER(r) technologies. This combination of capabilities is intended to allow law enforcement, federal, and military users to employ TASER technology from an iRobot(r) platform at a safe distance to engage, incapacitate, and control dangerous suspects without exposing those personnel, the suspect, or bystanders to unnecessary risks.

The two companies have initially integrated TASER(r) X26 electronic control device technology into the iRobot PackBot(r) Explorer. This proof-of-concept integration is being shown to Law Enforcement and Military customers to explore customer needs and requirements. The companies expect these initial customer interactions will lead to the development of products that may include a full line of TASER kits for iRobot platforms to a family of fully integrated robots.

This sounds sort of like a natural fit, although you have to wonder how effective or how robust this will really be for a long time.  If they can make it look like Arnold Schwarzenegger they may have a real hit on their hands.

Jon C. Ogg
June 28, 2007

Jon Ogg can be reached at [email protected]; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.