Exponent Awarded Advanced Robotic Controller Contract by the U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force
MENLO PARK, Calif., October 20, 2003- Exponent, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPO), has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force to develop an Advanced Robotic Controller based on commercial Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) technology to provide an integrated control system for a broad base of robotic assets for soldiers in the field. The total contract value is $9.6 million, of which $4.6 million has been funded to date. Exponent's net revenue from the total contract is anticipated to be approximately $4.0 million. The contract began in August and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2004.
The Rapid Equipping Force's charter is to evaluate promising technologies and quickly put needed capabilities into the hands of our soldiers. Under this charter, the Rapid Equipping Force and Exponent rushed the development and deployment of integrated control systems with PackBot robots to assist in Operation Enduring Freedom in the summer of 2002. Exponent developed the control system, TM7, and purchased the PackBots, which were originally developed with DARPA funding as part of its Tactical Mobile Robotics program. These integrated systems are currently supporting the Army in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Under the Advanced Robotic Controller program, Exponent will make further use of the PackBot as well as several new aerial and ground platforms, including an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with autonomous lead and follow capabilities. Through an evolutionary, rapid prototyping methodology, Exponent will integrate these robotic platforms with advanced technologies for mapping and situational awareness, voice and data communications, sensor and weapons payloads, and other capabilities. To evaluate, integrate and test these technologies in a short time frame, Exponent will leverage the efforts of several subcontractors from industry and academia, as well as coordinate with various Department of Defense and Service organizations.
"Exponent is pleased to continue to assist the Army's Rapid Equipping Force with the development of technologies to aid our soldiers in combat," commented President and CEO, Michael R. Gaulke. "Our Technology Development practice is committed to helping our military clients stay current with and benefit from rapidly evolving civilian technologies."
About Exponent
Exponent is an engineering and scientific consulting firm providing solutions to complex problems. Exponent's multidisciplinary organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and business consultants brings together more than 70 technical disciplines to address complicated issues facing industry and government today. The firm's consultants analyze failures and accidents to determine their causes and provide answers to help prevent such problems. In addition, Exponent evaluates human health and environmental concerns to find cost-effective solutions.
Exponent may be reached at (888) 656-EXPO, info@exponent.com , or www.exponent.com .
This news release contains, and incorporates by reference, certain "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and the rules promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended thereto under) that are based on the beliefs of the Company's management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company's management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this document and in the documents incorporated herein by reference, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company or its management with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such material differences include those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results and Market Price of Stock" and elsewhere in the report. The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements.
Posted: October 20, 2003
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