WATERBORO, Maine – Howe & Howe, Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. company, participated in FDIC International 2022 with its Thermite® firefighting robot family and the brand-new SWAT-BOT™, mobile ballistic shield all terrain robot.
Howe & Howe’s Thermite family of firefighting robots, including the RS1, RS3 and all-electric EV2, are designed to mitigate life-threatening situations by providing fire suppression, situational awareness and intelligence gathering to first responders. Operated by remote belly-pack and handheld controllers, Thermite traverses hazardous terrain and pushes obstacles from its path. It can endure extreme elements, keeping the user at a safe distance while receiving real-time video feed. The company also showcased its latest product innovation.
“We unveiled our all-electric SWAT-BOT EV1 and EV2,” said Mike Howe, President of Howe & Howe. “This mobile, remotely operated SWAT shield utilizes the same chassis as our Thermite products. Our goal is to provide the most advanced technology, while ensuring the safety of our customers, and to define, create and conquer the ground robotics industry.”
In 2012, Howe & Howe created the first SWAT-BOT, a remotely operated robotic ballistic shield engineered for first responders. Developed with the Massachusetts State Police and Southern Maine Special Response Team (SRT), the robot provides effective defensive and offensive capabilities in a variety of tactical scenarios including active shooter, hostage, vehicle immobilization and breaching/entry. After refining the product’s original design, SWAT-BOT is now an all-electric platform with a near silent approach for added mission capabilities.
SWAT-BOT is designed to protect a team of officers rather than each individual relying on a personal ballistic shield; it provides full body coverage versus torso only coverage. This also allows team members to engage both hands during their mission without having to carry a shield.
About HOWE & HOWE
Howe & Howe is a leader in advanced robotic land vehicles, built and proven for extreme conditions. With a portfolio that includes leading advanced robotic land vehicles, such as the RIPSAW® M5 and the Thermite robotic firefighter, the company is ready and able to support customers wherever they need it most.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems is a world leader in unmanned air, surface and land products, services and support for aerospace and defense customers. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems’ innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. For more information, visit www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.
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