Explosion Proof Collaborative Robots

For the purpose of equipping the Army with a reliable, domestically-sourced offering of robotics suited for use in explosive environments that leverage the latest advances in robotic technology, INPRO presents a thorough, low-risk Phase I plan to research, architect, and plan the certification of a purge and pressurization modification for suitable collaborative robots (cobots) and/or autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platforms.  This plan is architected to evolve into a Phase II prototype execution and technology demonstration in energetics handling, which includes certification of the platform to the North American IECEx standard for electrical equipment in Class 1 Division 1 (C1D1) environments containing the presence of flammable dust/vapor.  Finally, this proposal illustrates that INPRO is further equipped to commercialize this technology in Phase III, in order to benefit not only the Army in their energetics handling, but also INPRO's existing and growing private sector customer base in the processes that also take place in these C1D1 hazardous environments (e.g. paint and related operations). INPRO's 23-week plan for Phase I work consists of an initial market survey, literature/standards review, platform survey and selection, preliminary design, and certification planning.  INPRO's plan makes the best use of available funds and timeline to ready the project with a strong foundation for a successful Phase II transition.This proposal also presents a commercialization plan that emphasizes INPRO's existing firm positioning in the private sector market, as well as a burgeoning Federal contracting business. INPRO's plan for commercialization is bolstered by a 3-part marketing strategy proven by past successes and demonstrated by INPRO's strong revenue growth over recent years.INPRO's approach is to select the best platform(s) for modification and certification by emphasizing the need for adaptability and usability, which will require an open architecture and suitability for an array of different end applications by personnel of varying skill levels.  For example, INPRO envisions a future state of cobots equipped for tele-operation or motion-based programming to ensure small, medium, and large manufacturers alike can employ this technology by using their existing operators, who willnot be required to be trained in robotics programming to teach robotic movements through simple IR based-motion capture, or even with VR-based control methods in the future.  With the strategic approach outlined in this proposal, INPRO's solution is the first step on a novel Technology Roadmap to this future.Finally, INPRO's team has decades of demonstrable experience well-suited not only for the robotics development work, but for the electrical design and certification planning and execution required to be successful, as well as the sales and marketing potential to drive commercialization.