Adaptable and Reusable Hardware/Software Architectures and Components for Automated Material Handling

The goal of this research and development program is to provide the US Army with a generic, open-architecture, component based control system that can be adapted readily and economically to control a broad range of existing field material handling systems.This program will build on existing technology and develop the software and hardware components required for demonstration of a practical and economical field-deployable system.There are three primary objectives - First, complete the development of the component based open architecture control system design. Second, develop the balance of sensory interface and upper level control components necessary for field material handlingapplications. Third, demonstrate the effectiveness of the componentized architecture by integrating the system on existing field material handling equipment.The technology developed in this Phase II program will provide the US Army with a generic, adaptable controller for use on a broad range of diverse material handling equipment. The control system is targeted to provide automatic and shared control ofexisting manually operated equipment but will also increase the potential for application of new robotic systems. Practical military applications include material handling and assembly, missile loading, rearming tanks, construction, vehicle refueling,explosive ordnance disposal/mine clearing, cleaning, sand/bead blasting and painting/coating.