Unmanned aircraft manufacturer AeroVironment has acquired German ground robotic solutions company Telerob for US$45m (£33.8m) to expand its multi-domain unmanned systems.
According to AeroVironment, the transaction will enable it to offer broader, integrated mission solutions in air, near-space, ground and maritime territories. Telerob will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AeroVironment and plans to retain its entire team.
By acquiring Telerob, AeroVironment will gain its family of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) as well as all-terrain transport vehicles and training, repair and support services.
This will allow it to perform a variety of dangerous missions, including explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), hazardous materials handling as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat assessment.
Wahid Nawabi, chief executive officer, AeroVironment, said: “Acquiring Telerob marks a significant step toward achieving AeroVironment’s goal of offering an integrated portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic solutions in response to evolving threat environments and customer requirements for more effective, rapid and cost-effective capabilities.
“Telerob’s advanced, proven ground robotic solutions provide a valuable capability to complement our market leading tactical UAS and tactical missile solutions and address a broader set of missions for our customers.”
AeroVironment also announced that it had recently submitted a proposal in partnership with Telerob to the United States Air Force for its multi-year, EOD robotic system programme. It also plans to pursue additional domestic UGV opportunities with the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Air National Guard and numerous police forces.
In addition, it will tender for multiple UAS programmes with the German Federal Ministry of Defence.
The acquisition is expected to close by spring 2021, subject to German government clearance.
