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Revolutionary Robotic Arm to be Unveiled by HDT at NDIA Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference

The MK1 was created for hazardous missions such as explosive ordnance disposal for the military and homeland defense. The arm, developed by HDT scientists and engineers, offers users more advanced capabilities than what is currently available on the market.

With dexterity and strength approaching that of a human, the MK1 allows the user to grasp and manipulate objects by incorporating eleven actuated degrees of freedom and seventeen articulated joints. The arm and wrist consist of five separate modules with seven degrees of freedom, and the three-finger hand uses four actuators to drive 10 articulated joints. With HDT's high-degree-of-freedom joystick, all arm joints can be controlled simultaneously, providing fluidity of motion as well as grasp and manipulation capabilities exceeding those of other robotic arms currently fielded. The MK1 arm system weighs only 14.5 pounds, yet has a load capacity of more than 50 pounds.

"The capabilities of the MK1 are remarkable," said Tom Van Doren, Ph.D., Vice President of Robotics Systems for HDT. "The technology our team put into this arm is so innovative because we've incorporated components and software that allows this system to exceed established weight, performance and power requirements for defense and homeland security uses."

Attendees at the Ground Robotics Capabilities Conference will have the opportunity to see the MK1 in action through live demonstrations and to even control the arm themselves.

"The HDT team is excited to showcase the MK1 among the people who will benefit most from its capabilities. I am extremely proud of the work that has been put into this product and look forward to seeing its impact on those that will benefit from it," said Vince Nardy, CEO of HDT.

For those unable to attend the conference, regular updates will be available on HDT's YouTube site at www.youtube.com/hdtglobal, Twitter at www.twitter.com/hdtglobal, Facebook at www.facebook.com/hdtglobal and on Flickr at www.flickr.com/hdtglobal. Also, contact Robin Carney at 602.540.7651 or by e-mail at robin.carney@hdtglobal.com to schedule an interview.

About the Company: Headquartered in Solon, Ohio, HDT Engineered Technologies is widely recognized for its industry-leading production of state-of-the-art, fully integrated deployable solutions such as shelters, generators, heaters, air filtration devices and other engineered solutions which are currently being used by U.S. and allied military units deployed worldwide, as well as civilian government and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.hdtglobal.com.

SOURCE HDT Engineered Technologies