Intelligent Multi-modal Ground Robotic Mobility

Robots offer the Army two principle benefits: allowing soldiers to work at a safe distance in dangerous situations, and performing simple, menial tasks so soldiers can do other work. Robots have had some successes with the first goal; however, there has been limited progress with using robots to free up soldiers for other tasks. Given the high demands placed on the Army''s force structure, there is pressing need to reduce personnel in support tasks, like logistics, in order to increase combat strength. Vecna Technologies is developing the BEAR (Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot), which combines powerful manipulators with a high-mobility platform. BEAR has more lift and carry strength than a soldier, while matching the soldier''s reach and cross-country mobility. The goal of the BEAR is to perform many of the simple, high-strength tasks in Combat Service Support, increasing the number of soldiers available for Combat Support and Combat Arms. BEAR can also be used in high-risk missions like rescue and battlefield extraction. In Phase II, Vecna will design a new multi-modal mobility platform, then build and test it. Vecna will further improve the torso, manipulators, and head. These improvements will be incorporated into the delivered system.