Unmanned Systems Teaming for Semi-Autonomous Casualty Extraction

Successful robotic casualty evacuation offers a host of benefits for military and commercial users.In contested environments, the casualty can be reached, stabilized and retrieved in less time with much less risk to medical personnel. Instead of medical personnel waiting until the area is secure before approaching a casualty, a well coordinated robotic response can be launched, drastically decreasing response times and potentially saving a life.To accomplish the stated objective, multiple unmanned systems (US) will be required to work together such that a single operator can control them in a very accurate and predictable manner.In addition, their movements must be synchronized and tied to a single frame of three-dimensional reference to ensure their end effectors reach their commanded locations, navigation must be accurate, and austere terrain must be traversed with maximum safety and comfort afforded the casualty.The proposed effort meets the stated objectives by leveraging existing robotic technology and employing a novel applique kit to enable the use of any military robot with an arm and end effector.