A Hybrid Robotic Vehicle and Mechanized Stowage System for OOVs

Intelligent Auotmation, Inc. (IAI) proposes to design an integrated OOV handling system consisting of robotic transport vehicle and a mechanized stowage system. For the transporter, we will evaluate a design for a Hybrid Hexapod Robotic Vehicle (HHRV) foruse as a heavy-lift, stable, reconfigurable, omni directional, transport mechanism. The HHRV is a hybrid vehicle integrating features of both wheeled and legged mechanisms. It offers the ability to lift legs and step over obstacles. The concept proposedoffers maneuverability in confined spaces both above and possibly below deck. It also offers lifting and positioning capability to present and retrieve OOVs to the launch and storage systems. The orientation capability also assists with loading andunloading. The OOV could also carry a manipulator arm to perform automated load/unloading. We also propose the use of a mechanized stowage system consisting of horizontal and vertical elevators of custom design to accommodate OOVs of varying size andshape. In Phase I, we will address the issues related to movement of OOVs through the ship, storage of OOVs within ship, and electronic tracking of OOVs. Each of these issues is central to the long-term objective of autonomous launch, retrieval, andstorage. Mobile robot sales are expected to soar from $665 million in the year 2001 to more than $17 billion by 2005. The applications in which growth for mobile robots is expected include: space, industrial service, medical and healthcare, transportation(automotive), agricultural, construction, mining, household service, educational, toys and entertainment.