Robotic Force Health Protection from Chem-Bio Agents and IEDs

Currently no integrated mobile robotic capability exist that will enable detection of chemical and bio-warfare agents, as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This SBIR grant proposal describes the redevelopment and prototype deployment of a robotic, unmanned detection system for IEDs, biological and chemical agents to do just that. The system is called ChemBioBEAR. By leveraging the power of the Vecna “BEAR” (Battlefield Extraction and Reconnaissance) mobile robot platform, this project will utilize state of the art chemical and biological detection methods, and be integrated with small mobile technologies that are capable of free roaming, radio control, and/or two-way teleoperated manipulations. The result will be a self contained, unmanned, broad-spectrum detection and assay system, capable of sampling and reporting operations in the field, and under hostile scenarios. The system will be implemented on a UGV, such that it can be sent off to survey areas such as around a combat casualty for TNT and chem-bio agent contamination. Our proposal will attempt to implement a rapid-response system, capable of accurate threat level determination, with minimal false alarm rate, using low-cost, rugged instrumentation suitable for field operation. The system will detect many threatening compounds, biomolecules and cells, in a rugged mobile package.