Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise
Last Update
17 Jul 2008
1995
Air Force Research Laboratory
The Robotic Excavation Vehicle System (REVS) test bed vehicle was successfully demonstrated at Jefferson Proving Ground, IN in September. The vehicle was able to demonstrate the ability to locate, dig up, and remove live ordnance at two separate sites. The REVS also participated in a Department of Energy buried waste integration demonstration at the Idaho National Laboratory.
The USMC JAMC program selected the REVS project to apply autonomous navigation technology and obstacle clearing dozers for its initial demonstration at Tyndall AFB, FL. The REVS program added the Caterpillar 325L as a teleoperated Automated Ordnance Excavator (AOE) capable of reaching 60 feet and digging to a depth of 48 feet.
Navy EODTECHDIV
Remote Ordnance Neutralization System (RONS) accepted delivery of the Advanced Development Model and began developmental testing. The program was delayed by technical difficulties with system integration.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle/Systems Joint Project Office
The Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicle ORD was approved by TRADOC on 31 August 1995. The JPO took delivery of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Ground Equipment (SARGE) platforms. The SARGE is designed to provide a lightweight system for user appraisal in operational environments. The Feedback Limited Control System (FELICS) was integrated on the GECKO. This allowed the operator to designate a path that the GECKO would drive autonomously. The Technology Test Bed (TTB), a HMMWV, was used for engineering evaluation of different RISTA components.
The Vehicle Teleoperation Capability (VTC) (formerly the Engineering Vehicle Teleoperation Capability) received TRADOC's approval of the VTC MNS on 17 May 1995. The JPO delivered six Target Vehicle Control Systems (formerly used to remote M60's for range target control) to the Engineer School to evaluate tactics and different uses for robotics. The first standardized teleoperation kit was demonstrated on the D7G dozer and M1 tank under the SIBR contract.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology Enhancement and Exploitation Program
The UGVTEE Demo II program completed its third major milestone, Demo C, at the Lockheed Martin Astronautics facility near Waterton, CO during 25-28 July 1995. This demonstration was different in that the user was invited to observe and participate in defining how the UGV's should be utilized in a scout mission. The users selected three scenarios for the final Demo II demonstration.
This was the first time that two of UGV's Surrogate Semi-autonomous Vehicles (SSV) worked together in a scout mission. The two SSV's moved autonomously over a cross-country route negotiating obstacles at a speed of 5mph. Once the SSV's arrived at their designated location, the vehicles began a search of the area providing information back to the multi-vehicle operator control vehicle. The first SSV detected a moving target and the second SSV confirmed the target location in order to provide an accurate "call for fire" to an Apache. The operator in the command and control vehicle would then verify the target and forward the call for fire to the attack helicopter.
DEMO C demonstrated a number of other technologies: Obstacle Detection (stereo video, FLIR stereo, Ladar), Stereo Obstacle Avoidance (positive and negative obstacle avoidance), and both Moving and Stationary target detection.
Army - Product Manager, Physical Security Equipment (PM-PSE)
The PM-PSE awarded a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) in 1995 to Cybermotion, Inc. for the MDARS-Interior program. The contract called for development of an improved intruder detection sensor package with integrated camera on a pan and tilt mechanism, and an automated inventory assessment package that will utilize a platform mounted interrogator to read a RF transponder tags in order to conduct inventory. Testing continued at Camp Elliot, CA with simultaneous control of two MDARS-I platforms being demonstrated along with the Product Assessment System. The MDARS-Exterior program completed its Concept Formulation package. Work continued on the brassboard prototypes for MDARS-E.
1996
Air Force Research Laboratory
Robotic Excavation Vehicle System (REVS) continued site characterization, and Eglin AFB personnel agreed to use the AOE on an as needed basis. Live-site clearance validation efforts were completed at Jefferson Proving Ground and Ft. Jackson, SC. The Automated Ordnance Excavator (AOE) was used to find and remove live buried UXO.
In December 1996, the All-purpose Remote Transport System (ARTS) for Active Range Clearance (ARC) completed operational testing at the Nevada Test Range. During a four-day period, ARTS operated over eight hours a day without a single mechanical or electronic failure. It successfully windrowed hundreds of BLU 97A/B cluster munitions and withstood six detonations.
The ARTS is a Posi-Track Crawler manufactured by All Season Vehicle in Grand Rapids, MN. With Kevlar-reinforced rubber tracks and a dual hydrostatic transmission, its low-center of gravity and light footprint make this vehicle a perfect candidate for range operations by minimizing forces that can disturb a UXO. ARTS utilizes a beam assembly with a reinforced steel beam and two frangible aluminum arms that are angled to push UXO's to the side in rows where they can be easily identified and later destroyed.
Navy EODTECHDIV
Remote Ordnance Neutralization System (RONS) completed Developmental Testing (DT I) on the RONS Advanced Development Model (ADM). However, based on a team composed of EOD representatives from the four services, it was recommended that further development on the ADM be halted. The group recommended that the currently fielded Mk 2 Mod 0 Remote Control Transporter (RCT) be upgraded. The decision was based on a cost effectiveness analysis done on the ADM, RCT, and use of NDI components to build a system.
The RCT was fielded in 1991. There are 175 systems fielded throughout the four services. It can be operated by wire or teleoperated and is capable of handling many of the EOD missions, including the disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices.
The Remote Controlled Reconnaissance Monitor (RECORM) passed Operational Evaluation Testing in March 1996. RECORM is now approved for Joint Service EOD use. It is a battery powered, remote controlled, four-wheel vehicle that can be used by EOD teams to locate explosive devices from a safe distance of 650 meters. However, due to lack of production, funding the system was not fielded.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle/Systems Joint Project Office
The Vehicle Teleoperation Capability (VTC) program turned its immediate attention to the soldiers being deployed to Bosnia. VTC prototype kits were incorporated into seven M60 tank chassis (Panther) and used for route proofing by soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. A successful Milestone 0 was achieved in July.
In addition to Panther, the JPO deployed four Miniflails to Bosnia. The Miniflail provided a smaller system to proof for anti-personnel mines in places where the Panther cannot be deployed. The Miniflail is also used for the evacuation of wounded soldiers from minefields. The Miniflail was originally developed for the Special Forces under the Office of Science and Technology and has since been deployed to other areas in the world.
The Tactical Unmanned Vehicle (TUV) became a joint program with the Marine Corps adoption of the TUV ORD on 7 May 1996. The US Army had approved the ORD on 31 August 1995. TUV was granted a successful Milestone I decision on 26 Jan 1996.
The TUV delivered five Surveillance and Reconnaissance Ground Equipment (SARGE) systems to soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division (MECH), stationed at Fort Benning, GA. These systems were used to support user appraisals.
The GECKO saw action performing real-time remote reconnaissance in a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) field exercise at Ft Hood, TX during the Demo II exercise. A Mechanized Infantry Company deployed two Geckos in a hasty attack of a built-up area. The GECKO provided unmanned reconnaissance of the area. It is important to note that exercises like this and the use of SARGE at Ft. Benning are extremely important in refining operational concepts and articulating the specific requirements from the soldiers and Marines who will use robotic systems.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology Enhancement and Exploitation Program
The UGVTEE DEMO II program conducted its final demonstration at Ft. Hood, TX with soldiers of the 2-7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division operating the Surrogate Semi-autonomous Vehicles (SSV) in combat scenarios. For the first time, three SSV's were operated together in missions controlled by one soldier in the Command and Control vehicle.
The first mission called for one SSV to conduct a call-for-fire mission with a mortar platoon. The soldier determined target location and made adjustments using the Melios laser range finder on the SSV and obtained effects on the target with the third round. The second mission called for all three SSV's to provide soldiers vital information in an attack on a MOUT site. The SSV's provided imagery of personnel moving from different buildings, on rooftops, and from windows. The third mission found the SSV's attached to a Scout platoon. The SSV's were deployed alone and in conjunction with manned vehicles to provide RSTA and target detection.
In summary, the DEMO II program provided more robust positive obstacle detection, rapid and dynamic mission planning by one operator using graphical displays superimposed over standard military maps, simultaneous operation of three unmanned vehicles by one soldier, full modular integrated avionics group navigator system, RSTA integrated with TACFIRE, and drive-by-feel. More importantly, in this final event the soldiers operated the systems in a demanding tactical environment demonstrating the added value of robotic systems.
Army - Product Manager, Physical Security Equipment (PM-PSE)
TRADOC approved a revised MDARS ORD in May 1996. On 3 October 1996, the MDARS-E contractor, RST, demonstrated autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, platform, and electronic capabilities over a three-path course at RST's facilities. The MDARS-I program completed a Technical Feasibility Test at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.
A series of "roadshow" briefings began in August with a visit to Major General Clair Gill, Commandant, US Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. That was followed by visits with Major General Carl Ernst, Commandant, US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, GA and Brigadier General David Foley, Commandant, US Army Military Police School, Fort McClellan, AL.
1997
Key members of the JRP Leadership initiated a series of briefings to Senior Army and Marine Corp commanders on current and future robotic capability. More importantly, the JRP team sought direction on future requirements from senior leadership. The following commanders were briefed: Brigadier General Clayton Melton, Assistant Commandant, US Army Armor School, Fort Knox, KY; Major General John Costello, Commandant, US Army Air Defense Artillery School, Fort Bliss, TX; Major General John Rhodes, Deputy Commanding General, US Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA; and Major General Randall Rigsby, Jr., Commandant, Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, OK. A General Officer Steering Committee Meeting was conducted in April. A product of the GOSC was to create a Working Group and the initial meetings were conducted in May and August respectively.
Air Force Research Laboratory
With a name change from Robotic Excavation Vehicle System to Robotic Ordnance Clearing System (ROCS), the program answered an urgent request from US Air Forces stationed in Saudi Arabia. The bombing of Khobar Towers in June 1996 stressed the need for increased Force Protection against terrorist threats. The All-purpose Robotic Transport System (ARTS), designed to support active range clearance on bombing ranges, added a 90 mm water cannon to neutralize Improvised Explosive Devices in order to assist airmen against this additional threat.
Navy EODTECHDIV
The Remote Ordnance Neutralization System successfully completed its Advanced Development and transitioned from the Joint Robotics Program into Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development under the Joint Service EOD leadership.
RONS will upgrade the existing MK 2, Mod 0, Remote Control Transporter, RCT to provide EOD personnel with improved capabilities.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle/Systems Joint Project Office
The US Army TRADOC approved the VTC ORD in August. Four Panthers and miniflails continued to support forces in Bosnia as part of Operation Joint Guard. The Panthers were used on 13-14 May 1997 at Camp McGovern to proof an area. They detonated 71 antipersonnel mines in the two-day period.
The Vehicle Teleoperation (VT) program received Milestone I/II approval on 3 Nov 1997 and proceeded forward with negotiations for an EMD contract award. The VT program will provide the services with a standard teleoperation kit.
The JPO and AFRL both participated in the Joint Countermine (JCM) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration at Camp Lejeune, NC in September 1997. JCM demonstrated many systems including four reconnaissance systems and five breaching/clearing systems. The Joint Amphibious Mine Countermeasures (JAMC) consisted of a teleoperated D7G dozer with a folding minerake, marking system, explosive net array, and a complex chain array, which was dragged between two vehicles to clear wire obstacles and detonate both tilt rod and magnetically fused mines. The system received failing marks for being difficult to operate and was cancelled as a program. However, it should be noted that this mission for obstacle and mine clearance in an amphibious craft landing zone is a difficult mission. From a robotic perspective, the teleoperation capability was described as successful.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology Enhancement and Exploitation Program
The UGVTEE program initiated the Demo III program with a solicitation to build four systems to support a series of demonstrations into 2001. The Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD was designated the program lead.
DEMO III's goals will include: focusing research on a small reliable platform that can perform multi-missions; developing autonomous mobility technology; getting the technology out to the field in the hands of the user (functional testing with soldiers); and providing new options (reducing the soldier's workload and making system deployable and survivable).
The program seeks to develop technology that will answer three challenges facing the robotic community: perception - understanding the environment: intelligent control - tactical behaviors required to survive in combat; and aid man-machine interface - allowing the soldier to manage multiple assets. The program set a goal for autonomous cross-country capability of 20 mph and 10 mph at night.
Army - Product Manager, Physical Security Equipment (PM-PSE)
The MDARS-E program completed the initial design of the platform along with the integration of mission payloads and subsystems onto the vehicle. In addition, the MDARS-E platform was used to support DEMO III efforts with informal vehicle testing at the Aberdeen Proving Ground.
The contractor, RST, demonstrated autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, limited intruder sensing, and platform/electronics capabilities at both the contractor facility and the Department of Defense Force Protection Equipment Demonstration in September at Quantico, VA on 15-18 May 1997. At Quantico, the system performed airfield security by autonomously patrolling pre-programmed paths at an airfield.
In April-May 1997, the MDARS-E platform was evaluated at Aberdeen Test Center to collect data for the DEMO III simulation and modeling effort. The platform performed well over severe terrain, which is used to measure shock and vibration.
The MDARS-I program completed design and prototyping of platform computers, IDS, and navigation enhancements on the platform. Category II and III console (MRHA) development and testing was also completed. This was followed by the beginning of Technical Feasibility Testing II at Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA in February 1997. In October, as a result of the BRAC, the Weapons Systems Manager, Physical Security Equipment (WSM, PSE) was re-designated as the Product Manager, Physical Security Equipment (PM PSE) reporting to the Commander, US Army, Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) at Fort Monmouth, NJ.
1998
Air Force Research Laboratory
The All-purpose Remote Transport Systems (ARTS) had an extremely busy year in 1998. Funds were budgeted for procurement of 21 production systems. Prototype systems would continue to meet "real world" mission needs until the arrival of production systems. Air Force Central Command received prototype systems to combat terrorist attacks in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In Panama, the ARTS was used to clear vegetation from ordnance ranges. The EOD unit at Nellis AFB, NV took delivery of a second ARTS prototype for area range clearance.
Navy EODTECHDIV
In November 1998, REMOTEC in Oak Ridge, TN was awarded the Remote Ordnance Neutralization System (RONS) Firm Fixed Price contract to upgrade the 170 Remote Control Transporters (RCT). REMOTEC delivered four engineering development models in the first phase, three systems for the First Article Test in phase two, and received a production contract to upgrade 163 units in phase three.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle/Systems Joint Project Office
The UGV/S JPO and Omnitech Robotics Inc. (ORI) signed the Vehicle Teleoperation (VT) contract on 10 July 1998. This contract moved development of the Standardized Robotic System (SRS) into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. The SRS MK IV system is designed to have a high degree of commonality. While the EMD contract will design kits for the D7G, T3, M9 ACE, and DEUCE bulldozers, the system can rapidly be altered and modified to go on any wheeled or tracked vehicle once the initial design is completed.
Prototype standardized teleoperation kits were developed, built, and demonstrated for the M1 tank chassis, M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE), and D7G bulldozer at Fort Leonard Wood, MO in what were called Concept Experimentation Program (CEP) tests from October 1997 to July 1998. The CEP's provided an opportunity for soldiers to use the equipment and develop tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP's) for teleoperation. The program office and contractor used these tests to collect reliability, availability, and maintainability data from which they could improve system performance.
The D7G will be the first system to be equipped with the VT kit. To better understand issues with system performance, the program office conducted a second CEP on the D7G dozer in November 1998, and a Developmental Test I (DT) at Aberdeen Proving Ground in April 1998. The DT exposed problems with vibration, moisture, and other issues.
Four Surveillance and Reconnaissance Ground Equipment (SARGE) systems were delivered in January to Ft. Benning and a User Appraisal was conducted through March for the TUV program. Soldiers from the 2-69th Armor Battalion, 3rd BDE, and 3rd Infantry Division were instrumental in assisting the program office with the development of TTP's for deploying a teleoperated Scout UGV. The Marines conducted a desert experiment at Twenty-Nine Palms, CA in April using SARGE.
The JPO continued to provide support to the Panther and Miniflails in Bosnia. The JPO support team made four trips to Bosnia (January, April, July and September 1998) training soldiers from the 16th, 40th, and 20th Engineer Battalions. Based on lessons learned, the JPO made improvements to the Miniflail and replaced the older Miniflails with four Product Improved Miniflails (PIMF) by June 1998.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology Enhancement and Exploitation Program
The DEMO III program awarded a contract to Robotics Systems Technology in January 1998. The program developed a strategy of demonstrations to prove that the technology would be mature enough to proceed to the next step. DEMO IIIA will take place in September 1999 at Aberdeen, MD. DEMO IIIB, in September 2000, will provide systems to be used by soldiers in an operational environment. The final DEMO III event will be in September 2001, which will feature four unmanned systems. By November 1998, the Critical Design Review had been completed.
Army - Product Manager, Physical Security Equipment (PM-PSE)
The MDARS-I program completed Early User Appraisal (EUA) at Anniston Army Depot (ANAD), AL in June 1998. The testing resulted in many lessons learned, five ECP's, and some minor hardware and software adjustments.
The security personnel at ANAD were trained on the system. The PM office conducted follow up interviews with security personnel to resolve issues and to enhance future training packages based on their input. Lessons learned included the need to adjust where the RF modems were placed in the warehouse, so that the system was able to pass video and data back to the operator without interference. This is significant when considering the large amounts of metal found in a warehouse that can cause interference problems. The Radio Frequency (RF) asset tracking worked very well and was able to detect items that had been moved as well as report the items' new location to within 15 feet. This capability will be a major deterrent to theft.
Based on its achievements, MDARS-I received Milestone Decision approval to enter Engineering and Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase on 17 April 1998.
The MDARS-E program conducted its Final Contractor Demonstration at Aberdeen Proving Ground on 14-15 October 1998. The system demonstrated movements to specific locations, autonomous navigation, speed tests, terrain traversing (inclines), preprogrammed patrols, two vehicle control, and stationary surveillance. In addition, the platform demonstrated its on-board Barrier Assessment System (BAS), which read and passed the status of the newly developed Internal Locking Device (ILD). The BAS was able to read the ILD as it passed within four meters of the ILD. If the lock was un-open/unsecured, the system would provide an audible and visual alarm to the operator. The BAS read the status of the ILD correctly 100% of the times tested.
The ILD was developed by the Naval Facility Engineering Service Center. The team at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center linked the ILD's sensor to the command and control architecture of the MDARS system. The MDARS-E program initiated the development of Command and Control capabilities for the platform into the MDARS Console (MRHA).
1999
Air Force Research Laboratory
The Robotic Ordnance Clearing System (ROCS) identified three key areas on which to focus its efforts in the coming years.
The All-Purpose Robotic Transport Systems (ARTS) continued procurement and fielding. Thirteen ARTS for Force Protection were fielded at the following locations: seven in Europe, five in Southeast Asia, and one to Air Pacific Command. Five ARTS for Active Range Clearance (ARC) were fielded at the following locations: one each at Luke, Tyndall, and Hill AFB and two systems at Nellis AFB.
In 1999, AFRL provided both training and the AOE to Jefferson Proving Ground for ordnance investigation and cleanup, reducing clearing costs from $47k to $6k a week. The Automated Ordnance Excavator (AOE) is a commercial excavator with an extended option to allow maximum distance between "bucket-to-machine," which is important when excavating buried ordnance. The current initiative is to have the system enter the target areas autonomously to locate buried ordnance. The airman will then operate the system by teleoperation in order to remove the buried ordnance.
The Active Range Ordnance Mapping System (AROMS) continued development to reliably detect and distinguish UXO's from other debris from both above and below the surface. This program was formerly called Subsurface Ordnance Characterization System (SOCS).
Navy EODTECHDIV
The Remote Ordnance Neutralization (RONS) program received and tested its first systems in 1999. Engineering and Development models were completed in May 1999 with documentation. First Article units were received in August 1999, leading to a production start in September 1999.
The Basic UXO Gathering System (BUGS) addresses an EOD Mission Need Statement dated December 1993. EOD personnel must dispose of many different types of unexploded munitions. Munitions from artillery rounds, MLRS missiles, and Air Force cluster bombs carry hundreds of submunitions. These submunitions have a dud rate of five percent as a conservative estimate. During Desert Storm, over 24 million submunitions were dropped from the various shells, rockets, and bombs, which translated to well over one million duds. These duds or UXO's can be deadly.
BUGS seeks to provide a system that can locate, pick-up, and carry away these UXO's to one central location for neutralization. In 1999, a single subsystem was demonstrated performing an autonomous random search mission, obstacle avoidance, and submunition pickup.
In a random search mission, the vehicle conducts a random search of a defined area set by the operator. The vehicle was successful in conducting the search (demonstrating the random search algorithm) within the boundary set, avoiding obstacles, and conducting the "pick-up and carry-away" of the scattered submunitions.
Currently, the Navy is working the random search as an in-house effort. The program office awarded a second contract to Robotic Systems Technology on 3 June 1999 to work what is called the directed search. This requires a platform to travel to a specific target location or conduct a random search. The capability to travel to a specific location requires a greater navigational capability than random search. The program office received 53 responses to the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).
Unmanned Ground Vehicle/Systems Joint Project Office
Bosnia and Kosovo Deployment
With increasing involvement of US forces in the Balkans, the JRP was challenged to provide more systems to meet the soldier's need for mine clearing and proofing of areas in Kosovo. UGV/S JPO doubled the number of systems in the Balkans to meet the challenge in Bosnia and now Kosovo. By years end, the JPO had fielded three Panther and three Product Improved Miniflails to Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo and maintained an equal number of systems at Camp McGovern in Bosnia.
Abrams Panther
The challenges for 1999 would not stop with Kosovo. MG McKiernan, USAREUR, signed an Operational Need Statement (ONS) 26 February, identifying the need to integrate the SRS on the M1A1 tank chassis. This system replaces the aging M60 Panthers in Bosnia and Kosovo. The effort to maintain the M60 chassis becomes more difficult as this chassis fades from use in the active Army.
This program called for a team effort between UGV/S JPO, Anniston Army Depot, and PM Abrams at TACOM. PM Abrams was designated the program lead. The UGV/S JPO would provide the SRS kits and Anniston Army Depot would refurbish the M1A1 chassis. The new system was given the title "Abrams Panther" to recognize the importance of the robotic effort and the commitment of PM Abrams to provide a quality chassis for the soldiers.
Standardized Robotic System
The UGV/S JPO and Omnitech Robotics made progress in the design of the SRS MK IV kit in EMD. This system is designed to meet the operational requirements set by the US Army Engineer School at the Maneuver Support Center, MANSCEN, Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Great strides were made in the design to improve reliability, maintainability, reduce damage from vibration, and meet operational temperature requirements.
In September 1997, the UGV/S JPO and ORI delivered two robotic systems for the Meerkat, a mine detection system for the PM Mines, Countermine and Demolitions, Countermine Division at Ft Belvoir. The system will undergo limited operational and developmental testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.
Family of Tactical Unmanned Ground Vehicles (FTUV)
The Surveillance and Reconnaissance Ground Equipment (SARGE) participated in the Urban Warrior, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Amphibious Warfare Exercise in Monterey, CA and Force Protection exercises at Quantico, VA. Lessons learned continued to be incorporated into emerging USMC requirements. The SARGE continued to provide a low cost platform for requirement development and experimentation.
Interest continues to mount for a small man portable robot to conduct a variety of missions. In 1999, the National Guard Civil Support Detachments, who assist civil authorities with locating and disposing of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), expressed a need for a small robot to conduct reconnaissance of possible WMD's. In October 1999, the National Guard "Rapid Assessment Initial Detection" (RAID) Team demonstrated the MATILDA in the "Broken Arrow" exercise. In December 1999, the UGV/S JPO was designated as the developmental agency for Manportable Robotic Systems (MPRS).
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Technology Enhancement and Exploitation Program
DEMO III completed its first demonstration, DEMO IIIA, with soldiers from Ft. Knox operating two XUV's at Aberdeen Proving Ground in September 1999. The XUV negotiated cross-country paths that included both man-made and natural obstacles approaching a speed of five mph during daylight. Soldiers were able to plan and execute simultaneous missions for two XUV's from a single operator control unit.
Army - Product Manager, Physical Security Equipment (PM-PSE)
The Mobile Detection Assessment Response System-Interior (MDARS-I) continued its march to fielding in 1999, with the award of a cost plus incentive fee, fixed price incentive-successive target and firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract worth up to $25.8 M on 30 April 1999. Robotics Systems Technology (RST) was the successful offeror.
RST will build the system based on the Cybermotion K3A model that has been developed and used by the MDARS-I program. RST will also integrate the Multiple Resource Host Architecture (MRHA) command and control software into the system design developed by the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems-San Diego (SSD-SC) in San Diego, CA. The MRHA provides the command control architecture used to control multiple MDARS-I platforms from one location.
The MDARS-Exterior program completed field demonstration of navigation, obstacle avoidance, intrusion detection product inventory, and lock reading capability. Engineering tests were conducted in preparation for the Technical Feasibility Testing in FY00.
MDARS-E navigation is accomplished with differential GPS, DGPS, and vehicle dead reckoning (DR). In areas where DGPS is poor, landmark referencing can be used to augment DGPS and DR. Obstacle avoidance is done in a layered approach: low-cost millimeter wave radar for long range detection, stereo vision ranging system used in conjunction with a low cost single whisker scanning laser, and ultrasonic sensors for up-close detection. When an obstacle is detected, the vehicle slows down and the short-range sensors will cause it to stop or circumnavigate the obstacle. Intrusion detection is performed with two sensors, a narrow field of view radar and a forward-looking infrared radar with motion detection software. The sensors are mounted on rotating turret providing a 360-degree detection capability.
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