Robotics Streaming Video Program (RSVP)

Modern robotics represents one of the most challenging wireless communications missions due to: (i) the wide range of operational environments; (ii) the requirement for high reliability C2 linkage and high bandwidth video downlink; and, (iii) the desire to operate several platforms from a single link. The difficulty of addressing these challenges without sacrificing link robustness is further exacerbated by: (i) the need to be independent of any fixed infrastructure; (ii) near-ground radio placement in most implementations; and, (iii) the desire to have a low profile RF signature. OTS military communications do not provide sufficient data rate for robotics missions while commercial technologies such as 802.11 are ill-suited to multi-hop streaming video in highly dynamic environments; innovation is therefore required to develop communications solutions for tactical robotics missions. During Phase I, TrellisWare demonstrated an architectural concept that meets all of the aforementioned requirements. During Phase II, TrellisWare's proposes to prototype the proposed solution and validate it via a field testing effort that will be performed in conjunction with a potential Phase III partner. By leveraging existing hardware, we will not only reduce programmatic cost and risk, but also ensure that the size of the developed demonstration platform supports operationally relevant testing.