FLIR Systems intensifies role in UGV market

Oregon-based FLIR Systems Inc., a developer of battle-tested UGVs, closed the deal with Arlington Capital Partners for USD 382 million in cash. Boston area-based Endeavor Robotics is one of the largest UGV providers to the U.S. Department of Defense and a key global supplier of unmanned systems to the military and law enforcement agencies. The company has sold 7,000 UGVs to customers in more than 55 countries, and their highly-mobile and easy to operate ground robots utilize advanced sensing and actuation in providing explosive ordnance disposal, reconnaissance, inspection, and hazardous materials support for troops, police, and industrial users at stand-off range. In a media statement, FLIR Systems President and CEO Jim Cannon said, “With the addition of Endeavor, FLIR becomes a leading provider of unmanned aerial and ground solutions to support the needs of warfighters, and public safety and critical infrastructure professionals.” FLIR employs 3,900 people and was founded in 1978.