Funds to be used to create military robots

Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Amherst, has delivered $500,000 in federal investments to Lithos Robotics Corporation to develop robotics software. This funding was secured through the fiscal year 2008 Department of Defense appropriations bill that was recently signed into law by President George W. Bush.

Reynolds also received a tour of the Amherst high tech manufacturer.

"This important federal investment will develop technology for robots that will help our service men and women in harm's way defuse IEDs (improvised explosive devices) quickly and efficiently," he said. "This robotics software is critical to ensuring our military has the kind of world-class technology that will give our fighting men and women an edge on the battlefield."

Lithos Robotics will use these federal investments to develop robotic software that will increase mission safety. This technology will allow robots to be able to pick up IEDs, place counter charges and open doors.

"Today's robots for dealing with IEDs are hard to use because they are manually operated via remote control," said Allen Mann, president of Lithos Robotics Corporation. "The result is that our troops can be exposed to extreme danger from enemy action longer than necessary. Our technology will automate the movement of the robot's arm, making it easier and faster to use. That will allow our troops to get out of harm's way faster."

Lithos Robotics Corporation focuses on research and product development for mobile robotic systems. The company, formally Apple Aid Inc., was founded in 1993. Many of its products have received "best technology of the year" awards. In fiscal year 2005, Reynolds secured $1 million for the company to develop defense robotic technologies.

"This project demonstrates why investing in innovation can literally save lives," Reynolds said. "I will continue fighting for these types of federal investments that help manufacturers and our military in Western New York."