Nearly two dozen robotic reconnoitering systems are to be provided to the Canadian Department of National Defense by Massachusetts-headquartered iRobot Corp.

The 20 iRobot 510 PackBot CBRN Recce Systems, as well as training and future product lifecycle support, come under contracts worth $9.6 million, the company said.

The robots for use in chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear scenarios are to be delivered by next April.

"iRobot is honored to be working with the Canadian DND to meet the challenge of keeping personnel safe when responding to CBRN threats," said Frank Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of iRobot's Defense & Security business unit. "CBRN events occur globally, and each present their own unique challenges.

"iRobot offers all of our customers rugged, reliable and expandable systems that are capable of addressing a wide range of specific mission needs."

The iRobot 510 PackBot CBRN Recce System is a modular expansion to the company's 510 PackBot Multi-Mission robot system. It includes a CBRN suite that integrates five primary sensors for the detection and interrogation of chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, gases, explosives and radiation.

It can also be used for other missions, including explosive ordnance disposal, reconnaissance, route clearance and data collection.