Intelligent Robo-Pallet

Stratom is proposing the development of a system that will significantly increase cargo airlift sortie rates by automating the pallet-loading process for military aircraft. The initial design will be based on a 463L pallet. The system will be an automated guided vehicle (AGV) capable of withstanding 10,000 pounds at 8 g. Each robo-pallet will be capable of communicating with a central command location, and also other robo-pallets. Stratom engineers will spend the majority of the Phase I effort developing algorithms for the autonomous guidance of the vehicle through the loading facility. Additional work will be done to integrate multiple sensors in a simulation environment. BENEFIT: The immediate benefit from the robo-pallet will be an increase in sortie rates for airlift cargo handling missions. The robo-pallet will reduce damage to aircraft and also reduce the manpower needed for sorties. The system software will be easily transferable to commercial air cargo handling systems as well as other cargo handling units such as 20'and 40'containers used for ground shipping.