IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
                       Boston Chapter

                  Tuesday, January 8, 2002
                Informal Discussion: 6:00 PM
                      Program: 6:30 PM


             Demonstration of the PackBot Robot

                     Dr. Andrew Bennett
                           iRobot
                       22 McGrath Hwy
                    Somerville, MA 02143


   This meeting is jointly sponsored with the Boston
University student chapter. It will be held not at our
regular location but at the facilities of iRobot (see
directions below).


                          Abstract

   Dr. Andrew Bennett, Technical Director of Military
Systems Division of iRobot, will demonstrate the PackBot
(see http: //www.iRobot.com). He will tell the story of how
a military reconnaissance and surveillance robot was
converted to be used as a search and rescue robot at the
World Trade Center.

   iRobot's PackBot project started out as an aid to
soldiers scoping out the situation during urban operations.
It can be carried in a backpack. Its portable size and
ability to endure adverse conditions make it ideal for
venturing into areas that are hazardous or inaccessible to
humans.

   Its features include the ability to right itself, tracked
"flippers" that allow the robot to climb hills and stairs,
the ability to navigate twisting passages, and supervised
autonomy. A new version of the PackBot can carry payloads,
uses sensors (cameras, microphones, sonar, infrared,
inclinometers, laser scanners, radar, etc.), and operates
with additional autonomy.

   Although PackBot was initially designed to enhance the
effectiveness of mobile strike forces in urban terrain, its
durability and versatility make it capable of joining the
ranks of police officers, paramedics, and fire fighters.
Because it can withstand more severe conditions than humans
can, the rugged robot will be able to perform as a scout in
hostile environments, assessing situational danger,
inspecting buildings for damage, and investigating sites
contaminated by radiation, biological agents, or chemical
spills.

   Whether alone or in swarms, PackBot possesses the
potential for saving lives and revolutionizing operations in
an urban environment. The PackBot is sponsored by the
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).


                    Meeting information

   The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society will meet on
Tuesday, 8 January 2002, at iRobot's facility at 6:00 PM for
informal discussions and for the formal presentation between
6:30 and 7:30 PM. The group will have a no-host dinner
afterwards at a nearby restaurant, where more conversations
can take place with the guest speaker.

   The meetings are open to the general public, and all are
welcome at the dinner afterwards. For more information
contact Mike Brenner at 781-271-3806 or at our new chapter
email address: info@robotics-boston.org. For more
information about the Boston Chapter of the Robotics and
Automation Society, visit the chapter's web site at

              http://www.robotics-boston.org.


                         Directions

   iRobot is located at 22 McGrath Highway, Somerville 02143
(near the Cambridge border), five blocks north of the
Science Museum, on the second floor of the Twin Cities
Shopping Center. Go to the stairway at the end of the
parking lot FARTHEST from Star Market. ALL VISITORS MUST GET
A PARKING PERMIT AND GO BACK DOWN TO THEIR CARS TO DISPLAY
THE PARKING PERMIT TO AVOID BEING TOWED.

   You can get a map showing the location at Yahoo maps:

   Web Site:            http://maps.yahoo.com/
   Address:             22 McGrath Hwy
   City, State or Zip:  02143