The TALON remote-controlled engineering robot was developed by Foster-Miller, Inc, QinetiQ. Tested in Bosnia and later in Iraq and Afghanistan, the robot has not gained full appreciation until Iraq. The main reason was that Iraqi and Afghan rebels use improvised explosive devices (IED) which caused deaths of hundreds of soldiers and civilians. TALON was also successfully used at the Ground Zero during the search and recovery operation after the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center and it was the only robot to endure through the entire mission without requiring a major repair.
The TALON weights up to 54 kg. It can be remote-controlled from a safe distance by means of a joystick and a quad screen display which provides continuous data and video feedback for precise vehicle positioning. The TALON can travel through sand, snow and water. Its maximum speed is 6.5 km/h. It transmits video in color, black and white, infrared, and/or night version to its operator.
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