Small Robot Infrastructure Toolkit

Military and Law Enforcement groups are increasingly relying on small robotic Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to perform a number of tasks. Many currently fielded UGVs perform admirably on the narrow set of tasks for which they were designed, but are generally unsuitable for tasks that vary too widely from the core competencies. Our Small Robot Infrastructure Tookit (SRIT) design, validated in Phase I through feasibility simulations and prototypes, features a low degree-of-freedom manipulator arm, plug-n-play end-effectors, an adaptive OCU with a disposable game controller, and a dual communications system. The SRIT increases the capabilities of currently fielded robotic UGVs by increasing the number of tools available to them. As tools are changed, the OCU inteface automatically updates to match the current tool. The "Black-n-Decker" inspired Power Take-Off (PTO) pushes higher cost items in toward the robot. Tools, which are most prone to failure, are simpler, low-cost line replaceable units which are easily replaced in the field. The SRIT supports JAUS over both RF and non-RF communications channels. The Phase II effort proves the manufacturability and practicality of the SRIT through system prototypes, and validates the usability through soldier or soldier surrogate testing in experimental and/or operational settings.