iRobot Gets Security Contract for 2014 World Cup (IRBT)

The stock is up 57 cents at $34.00.
This is not the company it was five years ago.
From cnet:

iRobot military bots to patrol 2014 World Cup in Brazil

The battle-tested PackBot 510 will join soldiers, police, and drones to keep the World Cup safe from threats. Will these 30 bots kick a ball around too?

The PackBot 510 provides users with real-time video, audio, and sensor data to evaluate explosives and other hazards. (Credit: iRobot)

FIFA may be implementing goal-sensing technology in international soccer games, but the World Cup is getting even more high-tech with military robot security.

iRobot announced today $7.2 million in contracts to provide Brazil with military PackBot robots for security at the 2014 World Cup. PackBots have been deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and even inside Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.

As part of the deal, Brazil will get 30 PackBot 510 units, which usually cost about $100,000 to $200,000 apiece. The contracts include services, spares, and associated equipment....MORE

This year:

Jan. 29 
Robopocalypse: iRobot files patent for machine that 3D prints autonomously (IRBT)
Feb. 6 
iRobot Just Violated Asimov's First Law of Robotics (IRBT)

Back to IRBT, I used to think of them as a niche player with the Roomba. Then they go and do something like this, reported Jan. 29: 

iRobot files patent for machine that 3D prints autonomously

Apr. 24 

iRobot Stock Had a Good Year This Morning (IRBT)

Jan. 7

Fire the Pool Boy: iRobot Unveils Swimming Pool Cleaning Robot (IRBT)

Or at least pay the poor kid for having to put up with you.
The stock closed at $20.56, down 16 cents.  ...

And many more over the years.