History
Reamda Ltd. Was formed in 2001 by Mr. Padraig O’Connor to support EOD Robotics Research and Development for military and police requirements. Since then Reamda Ltd. has grown considerably particularly in the areas of robotics and simulation and has gained a strong international reputation in fields such as platform development and innovative research. Reamda has been exporting to International Customers since 2006 including the UK, Switzerland and the USA. Since its foundation Reamda Ltd. has provided support and products to the Ordnance Corps of the Irish Defence Forces
Ordnance Corps
The Irish Defence Forces Ordnance Corps provide the only Explosive Ordnance Disposal service within the state of Ireland, in support of An Garda Síochána in an Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) role. The Ordnance Corps also provides the Defence Forces EOD capability across its full spectrum of operations. Having a long history of IEDD, the personnel of the Ordnance Corps have been to the fore in instructing personnel home and abroad in all aspects of the C-IED effort. – See more at: The Ordnance Corps
Timeline of Reamda’s role in the evolution of the Ordnance Corps EOD capabilities
1970’s – 2005
In the early 1970’s the Irish Army Ordnance Corp, in conjunction with Winn Technologies of Kilbrittain Co. Cork, developed a requirement for an Irish designed RCV. Four HOBO RCV were designed and delivered.
In 1982 Winn Technologies went into receivership & a new company Kentree Ltd was formed in Kilbrittain, Co. Cork. Kentree Ltd delivered the first hydraulic prototype and over the next number of design revisions and years, the Army Ordnance Corps fleet was extended to 20+ units.
In 2004 Kentree Ltd was bought out by Allen Vanguard who discontinued production of the HOBO, HOBO spares and support of the HOBO family formally ceased in September 2005.
In 2005 a contract for the digital upgrade of the entire Irish Army Ordnance fleet of RCVs was awarded to Reamda Ltd.
2006-2009
The HOBO digital upgrade was initiated as part of a Life Extension Plan for the robot. This upgrade was completed by Reamda Ltd. and resulted in a complete redesign and refit of the electronic components of the machine. A new CAN bus architecture was developed as well as military frequency COFDM video and telemetry solution were implemented. A new command console and digital hand controller was also created, the robot became known as the Digital HOBO which encompassed the entire upgrade developments.
2009-2011
With the Digital HOBO expansion capabilities a number of accessories were developed by Reamda Ltd. These included a truck based remote control station with independent surveillance capabilities, a standalone surveillance system that can be relayed through the truck system and finally, a remote disruptor platform (RDP) that relays its communication through the Digital HOBO.
2012-2015
In 2012 Reamda Ltd. began designing and developing a new EOD robot called “Reacher” for the Ordnance Corps Robot Replacement Program. Electronics from the Digital HOBO upgrade can be reused in the replacement program. The chassis, turret and low profile arm are all new. The low profile arm aids searches in confined spaces and a sliding turret provides the arm with additional reach. Reacher provides better search capabilities which is critical since the IEDD threat has changed to more compact and sophisticated devices with the advancement in technology. Reacher can also carry a remote disrutor platform (RDP) in its powered tool bay drawer. At under 5″ tall the RDP is ideal for under car search and disruption. Also, the Reacher is the 1st ROV to have both skid steer and also Ackerman steering via rear axle allowing the Reacher save battery power and tyre wear when making long trips to incidents.