US-based unmanned systems specialist AeroVironment announced on May 4 it was granted clearance from the German government to complete its acquisition of Telerob Gesellschaft für Fernhantierungstechnik mbH (Telerob).
The acquisition will allow Aerovironment to complement its unmanned aerial systems and tactical missile systems portfolios with unmanned ground systems.
Aerovironment will complete the purchase in a $45.4 million (€37.5 million) cash transaction and the pay-off of approximately $9.4 million (€7.8 million) in Telerob’s debt at closing.
“Our acquisition of Telerob marks a significant expansion to our portfolio of intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, from small and medium unmanned aircraft systems, to tactical missile systems and now, unmanned ground vehicles,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment president and chief executive officer.
Telerob will now operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AeroVironment.
“The entire Telerob team is excited to join forces with AeroVironment so we can deliver our expanded offering to current and new customers around the world,” said Norbert Gebbeken, Telerob managing director. “Delivering intelligent, multi-domain robotic solutions, both in the air and on the ground, can help more customers achieve their mission objectives.”
Founded in 1994, Telerob offers unmanned ground robotics solutions, including the telemax and tEODor EVO family of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), fully-equipped transport vehicles and training, repair and support services.
The Stuttgart-based company’s solutions perform a variety of dangerous missions, including explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT) and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threat assessment.
AeroVironment submitted a proposal with Telerob for the United States Air Force 10-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) large explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robot program, announced in October 2020. The Air Force is yet to announce the awardee for this program.
