Guide Note

August 2, 2007: SWORDS (Special Weapons Observation Reconnaissance Detection Systems) robots were first deployed for the war effort in Iraq. Though robots had already been used for reconnaissance and eliminating roadside bombs and IEDs during the war, SWORDS robots were the first to be armed with guns.¹

Fast Facts

1. Three initially sent to Iraq²
2. SWORDS robots can use M240 or M249 machine guns or Barrett .50 caliber rifles
3. Alternative weapons: 40 mm grenade launchers, anti-tank rocket launchers
4. Three-part process required for firing weapon¹
5. Can be equipped with X-ray technology
6. Army authorized purchase of 80 SWORDS robots²
7. Developed for $2 million³
8. Top speed: 4 mph³
9. Operation time: One to four hours³
10. Operated remotely via laptop computer⁴
11. "Kill" button shuts robot down in the event of malfunction⁴