RISE™ Ultralight 10K AT Forklift for Overseas Expeditionary Military Operations

The U.S. Air Force Science and Technology Strategy for 2030 and Beyond calls for more investment in transformational emerging technologies to mature into Air Force systems. Achieving this objective is critical as the modern battlefield requires more rapid and agile deployment of military assets. For example, deploying Airmen to project combat power requires significant technological advancements including compact and energy efficient support equipment that can operate with low maintenance in dispersed locations. However, the quality of American support equipment is often degraded by outdated designs that waste energy and require extensive or frequent maintenance. Recognizing this need, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) launched the Reimagining Energy Campaign to create a more agile force by modernizing and electrifying battle equipment, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring that the nation’s security will never be solely reliant on a scarce resource. RISE Robotics has built an alternative to fossil fuel-driven hydraulic systems, a completely new fluid-free electromechanical linear actuator that, with dramatically better efficiency, delivers the same or better power, lift capacity, speed, and stroke length with reduced maintenance requirements. Offering a solution that uses at least 65% less energy than conventional hydraulic systems, the RISE Robotics team can incorporate patented technology into existing equipment or customize a fully-electric piece of machinery to meet end-user needs. RISE Robotics is committed to reducing carbon emissions by electrifying vehicles and supporting equipment across industry and defense, which is proven through our successful track record. Using the findings from a previous Phase I feasibility study, RISE Robotics will engineer an Ultra-Light 10K Loader using RISE Technology in this proposed effort. The first step will be working with key Air Force strategic and tactical personnel to refine and prioritize the functional requirements. Once requirements are agreed upon, RISE Robotics will complete the concept design engineering to a level of detail sufficient to realistically simulate the vehicle’s performance. In addition, RISE Robotics will conduct a physical demonstration for the Air Force of the one-way 50,000 lbf. RISE Cylinder that is anticipated will be integrated into the new RISE 10K Ultra-Light AT Forklift. The overall objective for this Phase II is to complete the concept design for a loader that is capable of swift and safe manipulation of 463L cargo pallets in austere landing fields and is a fraction of the weight of the legacy 10K AT Forklift.