High Power Remote

[de_]

see TSAL6100 on http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/IRLED.htm
(also available from www.digikey.com or .ca)

"....Radiant Intensity:
If = 100mA, Radiant Intensity = 40 min - 60 typ mW/sr
If = 1A, Radiant Intensity = 340 min - 500 typ mW/sr
Can handle a "Surge Forward Current" up to 1.5A.
TSAL6100 -- +/- 10 degree angle of half intensity
Use For "Long-Range" IR Applications..."

With new batteries, my basic sony remote went 60 feet. Unsoldered detector and installed TSAL6100 (no changes to resistor etc) and range was beyond 100ft (ran out of space to test further).

Was originally going to build one of the below items and put in multiple high power IRs but doesn't seem to be a need for it.
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TINY-IR2.htm

Your real issue is shielding the IR receiver from other remotes and directing it at the hybrid driver even when the robot turns.