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Sen. John Kerry visited iRobot Corp. on Monday to congratulate employees on receiving a $26 million order from the U.S. Navy. While there, Kerry took time to drive the iRobot PackBot(R) Tactical Mobile Robot with Chairman Helen Greiner (left) and CEO Colin Angle (right). Currently more than 300 PackBot robots are deployed worldwide, including Iraq and Afghanistan, where they are used extensively to disarm Improvised Explosive Devices. PackBot robots have performed tens of thousands of missions in the region and are credited with saving scores of soldiers` lives. (Photo: Business Wire)

BURLINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2006--Sen. John Kerry visited iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ:IRBT) to congratulate employees on receiving the $26 million order from the U.S. Navy. This is the third round of funding by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), bringing the total value of the orders placed to date to more than $43 million. Under the terms, iRobot will deliver an additional 213 iRobot PackBot(R) Man Transportable Robotic Systems (MTRS), plus spare parts to repair robots in the field.

``Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are the single greatest threat to our troops in Iraq. Patrols who are sent to find these devices -- most of which are concealed -- are doing life-saving work, often at a tragic cost,`` said Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.). ``The ability to send a robot, like the iRobot PackBot, to disable explosives in place of one of our sons or daughters means a life saved.``

Kerry`s tour included a look at iRobot`s latest innovations in robot technology including military robots such as the iRobot PackBot Tactical Mobile Robot, along with iRobot`s award-winning home products, the Roomba(R) Vacuuming Robot and Scooba(TM) Floor Washing Robot. In addition, he spoke to the group about iRobot`s status as a leader in robot technology and its impact on the local economy.

``Senator Kerry demonstrated his commitment to the Massachusetts economy and innovation by taking time from his pressing schedule to visit iRobot, see our products and meet our team,`` said Helen Greiner, chairman and co-founder, iRobot. ``iRobot is dedicated to developing robots that will help keep U.S. forces out of harm`s way, and we are thrilled that Senator Kerry could join us to celebrate the significant order from the U.S. Navy.``

Currently more than 300 PackBot robots are deployed worldwide, including Iraq and Afghanistan, where they are used extensively to disarm IEDs. PackBot robots have performed tens of thousands of missions in the region and are credited with saving scores of soldiers` lives. iRobot has sold more than 1.5 million Roomba Vacuuming Robots since its launch in 2002 and recently launched Scooba, the first floor washing robot for home use.