July 24, 2006 Virginia Beach, VA – The Technical Solutions Group (TSG) of AMTI introduces its next-generation Seeker Series™ robot. The R-500 is specifically designed for repeated use in reconnaissance and surveillance toentify and destroy IED and other threats. The Seeker Series™ robots are also capable of deploying a sensor to collect intelligence on chemical, biological and similar threats.
The R-500 is the newest generation of robot technology developed by AMTI TSG. It provides quality optics and improved user viewing which combine to give operators the feeling of actually being in the ‘driver’s seat’. Users benefit from a Heads Up Display (HUD) for hands-free viewing or the LCD monitor for collaboration viewing. An optional helmet-mounted viewing device is also available. Operation is simple and not unlike the popular hand-held game devices or remote control units used for radio-controlled cars and boats.
Both the camera and the truck are operable to plus/minus 1000 feet, at speeds up to 35 mph, providing increased range and reducing personnel exposure and risk. The two cameras provide a pan and tilt target camera, and a fixed-view camera for driving the robot.
The R-500 not only recons, but utilizes a disposable trailer to transport a twenty-five (25) pound payload 
such as a charge or sensor. The unit then returns to the operator. Heavy-duty shocks, a sealed motor, and a wide eighteen inch wheel base provide durability and stability in the field. The unit measures 16 inches high and 22 inches long.
Aside from its military value, the R-500 benefits law enforcement and homeland security personnel in ‘sneak and peek’ reconnaissance. When one does not know what is down the alley, or around the corner, the R-500 can be the operator’s ‘eyes’ to search and evaluate the scene.
Robotic technology is nothing new to AMTI. In partnership with a government agency, AMTI TSG engineers designed the first robot in direct response to developing a solution to the IED threat. As a result, AMTI became the first company to deploy disposable robots, in quantity, for use at the troop level in Afghanistan and Iraq. Over 2000 were deployed to these theatres of operation.
Speaking about the R-500, Josh Van Haelen states, “There is no other reusable robot available that combines the range, speed and features of the R-500 and is priced under $10,000. The value to cost ratio is excellent.”
The Technical Solutions Group (TSG) of AMTI supports military, government and law enforcement agencies with three unique product families: tactical communications gear; Explosive Ordnance Disposal support equipment including IED Defeat Seeker™ Series Robots and Training Devices; and its unique, patent pending QuickLock™ Secure Cargo System. TSG also provides custom engineering and prototyping in support of specialized requirements.
Founded in 1991, AMTI (www.amti.net) is a leading supplier of technical products and professional services for homeland security and the global war on terror. It is the fifteenth fastest growing, privately-held company in Virginia. For the third year in a row, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized as one of the top 50 privately-owned businesses in Virginia, garnering fifteenth place for 2006. The chamber’s Fantastic 50 award program, in its eleventh year, salutes companies with sales between $200,000 and $100 million over a four-year period.
Press contact:
Thomas Mills
Director of Marketing
AMTI Technical Solutions Group
757-962-3034
tmills@amti.net
Subscribe to the DPJ Weekly Brief newsletter:
Subscribe