The MAARS (Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System) robot is a 350 lb murder machine with upgraded weapon systems over its predecessor which was a modified anti-bomb robot retooled to carry armaments. Foster-Miller is the company responsible for the early system and the armament upgrades and their armed robot is the only one of its kind in Iraq, but its not firing a shot.

Safety concerns have prevented the killbots from being deployed in live combat, which prompted the development of this new death machine designed from the ground up as a combat robot and including several precautionary software implementations. The controller is now able to select fire and no fire zones, and a mechanical range fan is responsible for keeping the weapon aimed away from friendly positions. GPS programs installed in tanks and Humvees using battlefield mapping technology have proven successful in reducing friendly fire in Iraq, prompting the same technology for use with the new MAARS robot. Additionally a final precaution has been implemented to prevent the unit from being able to fire upon its controller’s location.

The slow moving, tracked robot can also be converted for wheeled ambulance to better suit an urban environment. The lowered center of gravity gives a 50% increase in speed over its 5mph predecessor. Three SWORDS (predecessors to MAARS) are now in Iraq costing the tax payer $230K each, and the MAARS is likely to cost a bit more. The price is expected to come down, however, when they begin mass production and deployment.

via Wired