Highly Dexterous Manipulation System (HDMS)

The purpose of this project is to integrate RE2’s innovative dexterous and heavy-lift manipulation technologies with novel materials and leading-edge actuation technology to provide a Highly Dexterous Manipulation System (HDMS) with 1) the strength to lift a 120-pound 155mm shell, 2) the agility to perform delicate maneuvers such as removing a blasting cap from C4, 3) a form factor and total weight to allow HDMS to be employed on small robots, and 4) a low-cost solution to the military and other small robot users. The overall objective of HDMS is to provide a manipulation system for the next generation of small Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) with the equivalent capability and reach of a 95% percentile military male. The direct benefit to the warfighter is significantly increased performance and capability over currently fielded manipulators for both teleoperated and semi-autonomous use on small UGVs. These manipulation improvements directly correlate to a reduction in time-on-target and overall mission time, resulting in increased safety of all mission personnel.