What ReconRobotics does

ReconRobotics, Inc. is a privately held Minnesota corporation that designs, manufactures, and supports a family of tactical micro-robot and personal sensor systems for military and law enforcement customers. Its flagship product, the Throwbot 2, is a roughly 3-pound throwable two-wheeled robot with infrared optics that transmits real-time video and audio up to 150 feet through walls to a paired Operator Control Unit (OCU II or the newer OCU3); the platform is modular, supporting Rugged XL and Carry and Tow conversion kits, Speaker and SAND Modular Mission Payloads, and a SearchStick pole configuration. The company traces its core technology to DARPA-funded research at the University of Minnesota's Center for Distributed Robotics and protects it with six U.S. patents, most recently US 10,526,029 B2 covering the convertible two-wheeled architecture.

ReconRobotics sells to U.S. federal agencies (FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, ICE, Border Patrol), all four U.S. military branches, the National Guard, and state and local SWAT/bomb-squad/fire-rescue teams; internationally, the company markets through a dealer network spanning more than 40 countries. Distribution combines direct sales in the U.S. and Canada, a worldwide distributor channel, and a GSA Advantage listing for streamlined federal procurement; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales of robots and controllers, attach sales of conversion kits, modular payloads, and accessories (a higher-margin recurring layer), and paid RMA repair and warranty services for legacy products.

The company was formed in 2005 with formal operations beginning in 2007, introduced successive generations of the Recon Scout line through the late 2000s, completed a capital restructuring in 2015, integrated with Lenco Armored Vehicles (2015) and Microsoft's Patrol Car of the Future (2016), rebranded and launched the Throwbot 2 at SOFIC in May 2018, surpassed 5,500 robots sold by December 2017 (becoming the second-largest producer of military and police robots globally), and reached approximately 7,000 robots deployed across 35 countries. Headcount is in the 11–50 range; leadership comprises CEO Mack Traynor and VP International Sales & Military Business Development Thomas Nelson.

Name

ReconRobotics

Legal name

ReconRobotics, Inc.

Website

https://reconrobotics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ReconRobotics designs throwable tactical micro-robot systems (Throwbot 2, Recon Scout series) for U.S. and allied military and law enforcement reconnaissance, with nearly 7,000 units deployed across 35 countries via direct sales and a 40+ country dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tactical Micro-Robots and Defense Robotics

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Robot Hardware, Actuators & Components (sensors, grippers, motors) (HDAAAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Robot Software, Autonomy Stacks & Simulation (ROS, digital twins) (HDAAAIAK), Robotics Safety, Certification & Compliance (HDAAAIAO)

Keywords

• Tactical micro-robots
• Throwable reconnaissance robots
• Military surveillance equipment
• Law enforcement robotics
• Unmanned ground vehicles

Headquarters

HQ city

Edina

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tactical Micro-Robot Systems: Primary revenue from sale of throwable micro-robots including Throwbot 2, Recon Scout series, and associated operator control units (OCU II, OCU3). These are one-time hardware purchases with accessories and replacement parts as additional revenue streams.
2. Accessories and Conversion Kits: Revenue from modular mission payloads (Speaker MMP, SAND MMP), conversion kits (Rugged XL, Carry and Tow, Deluxe), SearchStick poles, MOLLE tactical packs, and audio/video cabling packages that enhance or reconfigure the base robot systems.
3. Customer Service and Repair: RMA (Return Material Authorization) repair services, warranty services, and support for legacy products. Standard turnaround time for repair is under one week after receipt. Not-to-exceed repair cost estimates provided for out-of-warranty service.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ReconRobotics designs, manufactures, and sells throwable tactical micro-robot systems (Throwbot 2 and legacy Recon Scout family) and the matching Operator Control Units (OCU II and OCU3) that deliver real-time video and audio reconnaissance through walls, windows, and doors for military, law enforcement, bomb squad, and search-and-rescue users. The company also sells conversion kits, Modular Mission Payloads (Speaker, SAND), the SearchStick pole, MOLLE tactical packs, A/V cabling, the Command Monitoring Station 2.0, and out-of-warranty repair services, all anchored by a proprietary two-wheeled throwable robot design protected by six U.S. patents.

Product overview

ReconRobotics offers a portfolio of tactical micro-robot and personal sensor systems, led by the current-generation Throwbot 2 robot paired with either the Operator Control Unit II (OCU II) or newer Operator Control Unit 3 (OCU3) controllers. The Throwbot 2 is a throwable micro-robot platform providing real-time video and audio reconnaissance for military and law enforcement operations. The product ecosystem includes conversion kits (Rugged XL, Carry and Tow, Deluxe) that reconfigure the robot for different terrain and mission profiles, modular mission payloads (Speaker, SAND) that add communication and distraction capabilities, the SearchStick pole for converting the robot into a pole camera, and accessories like the MOLLE Tactical Pack and A/V cabling. Legacy products include the Recon Scout series (XL, XT, IR, UVI, CT) and original Throwbot models, which the company continues to support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Recon Scout: Line of throwable and deployable micro-robots for tactical reconnaissance used by military and law enforcement.
• Throwbot
• Throwbot 2

Products and services

• Throwbot 2 Robot Throwable micro-robot platform that enables operators to obtain instantaneous video and audio reconnaissance within indoor or outdoor environments. Designed to withstand repeated drops of up to 30 feet onto concrete and can be thrown as far as 120 feet. For military, law enforcement, bomb squad, and search-and-rescue operators.
• Operator Control Unit II (OCU II) Handheld controller matched to the Throwbot 2 robot at manufacturing, capable of receiving both audio and video transmissions and specified in any one of the ReconRobotics frequency channels for multi-robot operation.
• Operator Control Unit 3 (OCU3) Advanced handheld controller paired with the Throwbot 2 robot featuring a single joystick and 7-inch touchscreen for easy operation. Enables video recording, integrates with Modular Mission Payloads, and carries IP65 and IP67 ratings.
• Recon Scout SearchStick Pole device that converts any Throwbot 2 robot into a versatile pole camera. Collapsed length of 20.5 inches extending to 72 inches, enabling inspection of attics, rooftops, and crawl spaces.
• Rugged XL (RXL) Conversion Kit Conversion kit providing RXL-style wheels and tail to convert Throwbot 2 into Rugged XL configuration, enabling the system to climb over 4-inch obstacles at 2.2 ft/s.
• Carry and Tow (CT) Conversion Kit Conversion kit providing Picatinny rail, CT-style wheels, and RXL tail to reconfigure Throwbot 2 for stealth missions and payload delivery. Can carry up to 2 lbs and tow up to 2 lbs with quietest operation.
• Deluxe Conversion Kit Combined package containing both Rugged XL and Carry and Tow Conversion Kits in a single package for flexibility in various mission scenarios.
• Speaker Modular Mission Payload (MMP) Modular payload that attaches to the Throwbot 2 robot enabling two-way audio communication for de-escalation in tense situations, hostage/barricaded subject negotiations, and multilingual capabilities.
• SAND Modular Mission Payload (MMP) Strobe and Noise Distraction payload featuring an 850-lumen strobe light and 100 dB alarm noise for electronic distraction during diversionary tactics. Activated with the OCU3.
• MOLLE Tactical Pack Tactical carrying pack that holds one Throwbot 2 robot and one OCU II or OCU Classic. Features corded zippers for quick deployment and MOLLE-style webbing for mounting on vests or backpacks.
• Audio & Video Out Cabling Package Cabling package enabling capture of video and audio from the Throwbot 2 robot onto third-party devices via RCA and BNC cable outputs on the OCU.
• Command Monitoring Station 2.0 (CMS 2.0) Command Monitoring Station 2.0 - Non-Audio and Audio monitoring station (NATO Stock Number 5985-01-616-5123).
• Recon Scout and Throwbot Legacy Product Line Continued-sale legacy tactical micro-robots including Recon Scout XL (1.4 lbs, 30 ft throw), Recon Scout XT (1.2 lbs, 120 ft throw, infrared), Recon Scout IR (infrared night vision), Recon Scout UVI (Under Vehicle Inspection), Recon Scout CT (Carry and Tow stealth/payload), Throwbot XT, and Throwbot LE. Still supported by the company for existing customers.
• Repair, Warranty, and Customer Service RMA repair services, warranty services, and out-of-warranty support for customer equipment performed at the Edina, MN U.S. facility. Standard turnaround time under one week after receipt, with not-to-exceed cost estimates for out-of-warranty repair.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 7,000 robots deployed worldwide protecting military and law enforcement personnel
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers27 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• MicrosoftflagshipTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2016ReconRobotics integrated its Recon Scout robot into Microsoft's Patrol Car of the Future program in 2016. This integration showcased how tactical micro-robots can be incorporated into modern law enforcement vehicle technology ecosystems, demonstrating interoperability with advanced patrol car systems and cloud-enabled law enforcement solutions.
• Lenco Armored VehiclescoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2015ReconRobotics established an integration agreement with Lenco Armored Vehicles in 2015, enabling the integration of ReconRobotics micro-robot systems with Lenco's armored vehicle platforms. This partnership allows military and law enforcement customers to deploy tactical reconnaissance capabilities from armored vehicle platforms, enhancing operational flexibility for mobile tactical units.
• TACOM (U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command)coreOthers · 1 January 2014TACOM recognized ReconRobotics as a key supplier as part of the U.S. Army's Robot Enhancement Program evaluation. The company's Recon Scout XL, Throwbot XTa, and Recon Scout CT robots were selected for evaluation by the U.S. Army to assess how micro-robot systems can enhance tactical operations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Teledyne FLIR (Endeavor Robotics): Teledyne FLIR acquired Endeavor Robotics in 2019 and is the largest producer of military and police ground robots globally (PackBot, FirstLook, SUGV). Direct competitor to ReconRobotics in tactical micro-UGV procurement for U.S. DoD, federal agencies, and allied forces, with significantly greater scale and capital.
• Ghost Robotics: Ghost Robotics manufactures Vision 60 and Spirit 40 quadruped unmanned ground vehicles used by U.S. Air Force, SOCOM, and allied forces for perimeter security and reconnaissance. Competes with ReconRobotics for tactical reconnaissance dollars but addresses different mobility profiles (legged vs. wheeled throwable).
• QinetiQ North America: QinetiQ produces the TALON and Dragon Runner families of tactical ground robots, widely fielded by U.S. military EOD and SWAT teams. Direct competitor to ReconRobotics in the same procurement categories, with comparable throwable and mid-sized platforms.
• Roboteam (General Robotics): Roboteam designs and manufactures the MTGR (Micro Tactical Ground Robot), a competitor in the same throwable micro-robot category as the Throwbot 2, with strong penetration into U.S. and Israeli special operations forces.
• Milrem Robotics: Milrem Robotics (Estonia) produces the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle and Type-X robotic combat vehicle, fielded by several NATO members including France, Germany, and the UK. Competes in the broader tactical UGV market where ReconRobotics operates, particularly for allied force modernization programs.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major defense prime with a tactical communications and integrated vision portfolio that competes in the same DoD and federal law enforcement procurement pools as ReconRobotics. While not exclusively focused on throwable micro-UGVs, it offers larger robotic and sensor systems that overlap at the program-of-record level.
• Boston Dynamics: Boston Dynamics (Hyundai-owned) produces Spot and Stretch robots used across defense, security, and industrial applications. While not a throwable platform, Spot competes with ReconRobotics in tactical reconnaissance and perimeter security use cases for DoD and federal agencies.

Emerging players

• Clearpath Robotics: Clearpath Robotics produces the Husky, Jackal, and Warthog UGV platforms used by defense and research organizations for tactical and autonomous systems development. Overlaps with ReconRobotics in the autonomous ground vehicle category, particularly for research-to-procurement pathways in DoD labs.
• Sarcos Robotics: Sarcos Technology and Robotics produces the Guardian XO exoskeleton, Guardian XT robotic arm, and outdoor autonomous systems for defense and industrial customers. Competes for adjacent tactical robotics and human-machine teaming dollars in the same DoD procurement ecosystem as ReconRobotics.
• Anduril Industries: Anduril Industries is a defense technology company building AI-enabled autonomous systems (Ghost/Ghost-X, Bolt, Roadrunner, Dive-LD) for DoD and DHS. While primarily focused on larger platforms and software, Anduril represents an emerging competitive threat to niche tactical robotics players like ReconRobotics as it expands into every layer of the autonomous tactical stack.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/185626814793299
• Xx.com/ReconRobotics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reconrobotics-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ReconRobotics