Odetics Wins Three Contracts for Robotic Work

Odetics Inc., whose robots and intelligent machines have garnered wide attention, said it has received three new contracts, totaling about $1.1 million, from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.

The Anaheim firm said one contract, worth $540,000, calls for it to provide the Army with a vehicle-mounted robotic arm capable of lifting 300 pounds. The device, which will have a reach of six feet, would be used for such tasks as loading ammunition, refueling vehicles and disposing of explosives.

In a second defense-related project, Odetics will design and develop prototype computer-vision apparatus for use with a robot vehicle that would be used to fight fires aboard aircraft carriers. The contract is worth about $500,000, Odetics said.

And under a $50,000 contract with the Department of Energy, Odetics will perform feasibility studies to determine whether artificial intelligence can be adapted to control and maintain nuclear power plants. Such a system, said an Odetics spokesman, could be used to determine abnormal plant conditions and to guide plant personnel in emergencies.