3D Visualization for Serpentine Robotic Systems

The program objective to develop a sensor system to enable teleoperation or autonomous behavior of small serpentine robots includes the following technical objectives in the Phase I effort: 1.) Conduct feasibility study for creation of a real time 3D representation of local terrain for use on the moving nose or tail of the serpentine robot 2.) Develop plans for design and demonstration of the most viable system. LCI has significant past experience with compact 3D imaging LIDAR systems. LCI previously was awarded a System Development Effort (SDE) contract by DARPA for participation in the JIGSAW program. LCI developed design concepts, performed system engineering studies, and developed performance models for an airborne flash 3D imaging LIDAR system to detect combat vehicles and personnel hidden from view by camouflage and trees.