Autonomous Cargo Handling System

The purpose of the Autonomous Cargo Handling System (ACHS) is to provide the means to autonomously move cargo on and off of Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) equipped aircraft (helicopters). AACUS provides the means by which a conventional aircraft can be converted to a fully autonomous aircraft through the use of an applique kit. The ACHS is a fully autonomous robotic system designed to autonomously move cargo on and off of AACUS equipped aircraft. ACHS and AACUS together enable our war fighters to move cargo into and out of austere and contested environments with reduced risk and effort. The ACHS robot is capable of real time obstacle avoidance, navigation by waypoint and compass heading, and locating, entering and exiting the aircraft without any human interaction.