Tuesday, June 3, 2008

How Will iRobot React to Robotic FX Contract?

Sure, iRobot has already filed suit against Robotic FX (twice even), but I'd like to see a press release reacting to this contract award. It's too big an award to simply shove under a rug somewhere and pretend it didn't happen. It's $280 MILLION! I haven't seen the contract terms, so it's unclear if it is an IDIQ contract (I suspect) or if it is a firm order. If it is only a firm order for 101 robots, it is conceivable that these robots will get over there and guys will say hey, these new robots suck compared to the PackBot, what the heck are you guys over there thinking? Or, "we now have yet another system and spare parts to service? Thanks for nothing." Or they could actually work better than PackBots, which would totally suck. Remember that iRobot has about $300 million in IDIQ contracts of its own, so if there is any negative reaction to the Negotiator, they could get more orders going forward, but I am VERY WORRIED. Foster-Miller is getting orders, Robotic FX is getting orders, and we're getting SMOKED. Anybody have a link to the text of the lawsuits?

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