Congress Allocates $2 Million for iRobot to Develop Its Next-Generation Robotic Platform Warrior 700

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT) today announced that Congress appropriated $2 million to further develop the company’s Warrior 700, a powerful and rugged robot for use in danger zones and inaccessible areas.

“This funding will allow iRobot to expand its product line, which continues to evolve as the need for unmanned ground vehicles grows worldwide,” said Joe Dyer, president of iRobot Government and Industrial Robots.

Melissa Wagoner, a spokeswoman for Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), said that projects such as iRobot’s “will enhance Massachusetts’ role as a leader in the defense industry,” and added: “Our courageous men and women serving overseas deserve the very best protection our nation can provide.” Sen. Kennedy, Massachusetts’ Sen. John Kerry and Congressman John Tierney championed the appropriations.

Recognizing the importance of unmanned systems in the reduction of soldier casualties, Congress increased funding to speed the development of unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles as part of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

The iRobot Warrior will perform a variety of critical missions, including providing real-time video, audio and sensor readings to combat troops and local law-enforcement SWAT teams. The robot will feature an advanced digital architecture and a multi-mission chassis that supports up to 150-pound (68 kg) payloads.

iRobot Warrior’s unique payload-positioning system allows radical changes in the robot’s center of gravity for unprecedented mobility in rough terrain, while still suitable for use in an urban environment. The first production units of iRobot Warrior will be available for purchase in the third quarter of 2009.

iRobot has delivered more than 2,000 PackBot robots that make a difference everyday by conducting dangerous missions that keep warfighters out of harm's way.

About iRobot Corp.

iRobot designs and builds robots that make a difference. The company’s home robots help people with smarter ways to clean, and our government and industrial robots protect those in harm’s way. iRobot’s consumer and military robots feature iRobot AWARE™ robot intelligence systems, proprietary technology incorporating advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.

For iRobot Investors

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, iRobot Corp.’s expectations concerning estimates of future revenues and product development and launch plans. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things: our dependence on the U.S. federal government and government contracts; market acceptance of our products; changes in government policies or spending priorities; our ability to develop technology and enhance our products. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot Corp. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot Corp., see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.