What is the PackBot?

The PackBot Tactical Robot is deployed by the US in wars. It was first used by US ground troops in Afghanistan in 2002 to help clear caves and bunkers, search buildings and cross live minefields. They were also used in 2003 in Iraq in urban warfare and to search vehicles. By 2007, more than 800 PackBot robots were in operation in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. PackBot, weighing 18 kg, has a unique propulsion system of road speed of up to 14 km/h, with ‘flippers’ with continuous 360 degrees rotation and negotiation of rough terrain, stairs and rubble. It is controlled by a Pentium-based computer, is tough, can survive falls and being submerged in water.