iRobot Corp has been awarded a $200m ceiling priced indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract from the US Army Programme Executive Office for simulation, training and instrumentation.

The army could order up to the full $200m value in military robots, spare parts, and training and repair services over the next five years.

This award replaces a previous IDIQ contract that expired in May 2008, which was specifically for purchase of iRobot PackBot robots.

This contract, however, allows the army to request additional products and services from iRobot as needed.

President of iRobot Government and Industrial Robots, Joe Dyer said that the investment by the army “validates our robots’ critical position in theatre,” which is allowing troops to complete missions successfully while keeping them at safe distances,”

“As the Army continues to use ground tactical robots with greater frequency, new applications for these robots are being identified. We will expand our product offering as the army sees fit, as each of our robots possesses specific capabilities that allow troops to complete a wide range of missions,” said Dyer.

By Daniel Garrun.