Northrop Grumman to Provide EyeDrive Mini-Robot to U.S. Customers

Agreement With Israeli-based ODF Optronics LTD Expands Northrop Grumman Remotec's Presence Into Lightweight Robotics Marketplace
CLINTON, Tenn., June 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC - News) subsidiary, Remotec Inc., based in Clinton, Tenn., has signed an agreement with ODF Optronics LTD, Tel Aviv, Israel, to be the exclusive worldwide manufacturer and sole provider of ODF's Eye-Drive mini-robot in the United States and Canada.
EyeDrive is an observation and surveillance remote-controlled mini-robot that provides continuous real-time 360-degree audio and video surveillance. It includes a unique touch screen operator control unit featuring ODF's proprietary Point 'n Go(tm) navigation. This innovative system allows the user to simply touch a location on the control unit's panoramic view to direct the robot, making deployment intuitive and easy. At about five pounds, EyeDrive can be easily carried, deployed and controlled by a single operator.
"EyeDrive is an innovative system with great synergy to our Andros product line, providing unique capabilities to our first-responder and military customers. It is lightweight and durable enough to be thrown through windows, over fences or into other hard-to-reach locations," said Mike Knopp, president of Northrop Grumman's Remotec subsidiary. "With this agreement, Northrop Grumman Remotec strengthens its lead in the U.S. robotics market in all weight classes. Remotec and ODF are a formidable team determined to help our valued customers keep danger at a distance."
Both Remotec and ODF Optronics produce an array of combat-proven robots.
"The EyeDrive was designed from the ground up with innovative features that meet exacting requirements and has been validated in combat with excellent user feedback," said Josef Fishman, president and chief executive officer of ODF Optronics. "Remotec is a natural partner for us given their reputation for customer satisfaction and excellent performance. The agreement with Northrop Grumman is considered by ODF as a major step toward successful introduction of ODF products to the North American and global strategic markets."
For more than 25 years, Remotec has served the military, explosive ordnance disposal units, hazardous materials units, and other first responders as a leading provider of mobile robotic systems for application into a variety of undesirable, hazardous, and potentially life-threatening environments.
ODF Optronics Ltd. develops and manufactures innovative and cost-effective situational awareness and image understanding systems that serve and protect military, law enforcement and security professionals engaged in low-intensity conflict and anti-terrorism activities in urban environments. ODF Optronics products are in use by many military, police and government agencies in the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia and Israel. The company is also active in developing and producing customized special-order products for Special Forces.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Contact:
George I. Seffers
Northrop Grumman Information Systems
(703) 345-8548
george.seffers@ngc.com