Robotic Research LLC, a Maryland-based company providing autonomous and robotic technologies to government agencies, recently confirmed that it was awarded a hefty $16.5 million contract by the US Army to create boot-mounted GPS trackers for service members.
The December 19 announcement indicates that the WarLoc devices, also known as war fighter localization sensor units, will be given to “forward-deployed personnel,” and that the first shipment, which has already been delivered, will be fielded to four brigade combat teams within the US Army.
The boot-mounted WarLoc device is intended to relay back a soldiers exact location in GPS-denied locations such as underground facilities and in areas where internet connection is weak. Without offering specifics, the company's release explains that the technology is able to function through the use of “multiple systems.”
“We are deeply honored at having been chosen to supply the US Army with our innovative WarLoc sensor units,” Alberto Lacaze, president of Robotic Research, said in a statement.
“WarLoc's small-form factor and state-of-the-art capability to provide highly accurate localization and positional information in GPS-denied environments make this device a perfect fit for America's forces tasked with defending our freedoms on the front lines.”
During a recent visit to the company's Maryland base, Lacaze told reporters that the devices are even able to function in situations where an individual is…