Highly-Maneuverable, High-Speed Inspection Vehicle

Military and Civilian groups are increasingly relying on small UGVs to perform life-threatening tasks ranging from under car inspection to EOD. Currently fielded small robots are typically suited for only a few mission profiles. Our High-Speed Inspection Robot (HSIR) design, validated in Phase I though feasibility simulations, fuses high-speed (40 KPH) reconnaissance capability of a MARCbot, the hands-on inspection capability of a TALON, and the maneuverability of an ODIS. The JAUS-based, modular design supports various payloads, including our low-cost Small Robot Toolkit (SRT) manipulator with plug-n-play end-effectors, our more agile Dexterous Manipulation System (DMS) manipulator, various sensors, and auxiliary power sources such as micro-diesel engines. A JAUS-based OCU with COTS game controller serves as the interface for the HSIR. The modular design allows the vehicle to be utilized for various missions including Military EOD, Reconnaissance, and HazMat. The Phase II effort will prove the manufacturability and practicality of the HSIR through system prototypes, and validates the usability through end-user testing in experimental and/or operational settings.