Robotics Saving Lives And Money

Robotics Saving Lives and Money by

Mr. Bill Adams United States Army Maneuver Support Center Combat Developments Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Email: [email protected]

Topics/Agenda • Robotics Saving Lives and Money • Robotics Programs • Army Engineers • Army Military Police • Army Chemical

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Robots Saves Lives Mission: Clear Roads & Areas of Landmines Element Without Robot Personnel Loss 14 Soldiers

With Robot 3 Soldiers

Computer Modeling-JANUS, JUN 97

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Robots Working for NATO ded l e i F \ d e Develop Balkans For s t o b o R 00 1995-20

M60 Tank Anti Tank Landmines Mini Flail Anti Personnel Landmines

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Robots Also Save Time Mine Proofing Robot Panther versus Engineer Company Route Buried System Clearing Mines Panther .5 Hours 2 Hours Company 2.7 Hours 34 Hours Savings 81% 94% Meters

100 x 8

100 x 100

Scatterable Mines 7.5 Hours 54 Hours 86% 400 x 400

* Field Manual 5-34, Engineer Field Data, Table 2-3 5

U.S Army Ground Robotics in NATO

• Army Deployed Robotics to Balkans-1995 • 500+ Landmines Cleared • Operated by Soldiers • Repaired by Contractors 6

Robots Saving Lives and Money 1. Use Today’s Robotic Technology • No Equipment Increase (If Possible) • No Manpower Increases 2. Add Tomorrow’s Technology When: • Reliable • Maintainable • Practical • Affordable 7

Robots Saving Lives and Money 3. Common Robot Sub-Systems • Common Power Train • Common Electrical System • Common Computer Software • Common Computer Hardware • Common Communications • Common Soldier Inter Face • Logistics/Support System 4. Multi-Purpose/Mission Design “Modular Add-On” Capability 8

Robotic Control Kit Operator Control Unit

Actuators

Video Radio Transmitter

Power Supply On/Off Switch

Main Computer System

Standard Components

Day-Night Cameras 9

Add Technology to Army Equipment Saves Money for Army Engineers

Heavy Bull Dozer

Air Assault Bull Dozer

South Africa Mine Detector

Airborne Bull Dozer

Standard Robotic Control

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Multi-Purpose Robotics Robotic Combat Support System (RCSS)

Single Robot System-Add Payload Attachments • Multi-Purpose Missions • Clear Lane in AP Landmines/Wire Obstacles • Create Man-sized Hole in Walls • Deploy Protective Smoke • Dismounted “Robotic” Load Carrier

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Small Robots Employing small robots to conduct tunnel, sewer, and bunker reconnaissance in urban combat.

Subterranean Robotic Reconnaissance

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The Selection Process Soldier Experiments Systems

Tested

Results

1999-2000

Success

Foster Miller Robots

IS Robotics

Mesa Associates Robotics

• Purpose: • Soldiers Evaluate Each Small Robot Type • Select the “Best” Parts of Each Robot • Integrate the “Best” into a New Robot Design

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Urban Robot (URBOT) -Water Proof-Rugged-Reliable -100+ Meters Range in Tunnels/Sewers -Advanced Multi-Video

The Results A New Robot Driving Camera Radio Batteries

Zoom Camera-Lights Controller Scale: 17 Centimeters =

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The Results A New OCU A New Tactical Dismounted Soldiers Operator Control Unit (OCU)

1998

Suitcase-Non Tactical Design

2000

Backpack-Tactical Design 15

Small Robots Can Save Lives

September 1, 2000

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Hybrid Trailer Concept • Integrate Technology into Trailer Systems • Self Propelled “Add-On” Technology • Robotic Control “Add-On” Technology

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Result =Hybrid Trailers

Self Propelled-Robotic Controlled Trailer Systems 18

Hybrid Trailer Technology Saves Money

Hybrid-Electric Power

Trailer Systems

Robotics Control

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Impact Saves Lives and Money • • • •

Immediate Increase in Soldier Protection No Increase to Equipment No Increase to Deployability No Increase in Manpower

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Military Police Robotics Mobile Detection Assessment Response System Interior and Exterior (MDARS-I and MDARS-E)

MDARS-I

MDARS-E

2000.....2001.....2002......2003........2004...........2005..............2006

Missions: • Security of Depot Warehouse Building (MDARS-I) • Security of Depot Warehouse Grounds (MDARS-E) • Saves Money by Decreasing Soldiers Required for Guard 21

Chemical Robots

Robotic Smoke Vehicles

UAV NBC Detection (Safeguard)

Robotic Delivered Sensor Probes

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Robotic Smoke Vehicles Robotic Smoke Vehicles

Army Force

Robotic Smoke Vehicles Saves Lives

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CONCLUSION •The United States Army has employed ground robotics for NATO for more than five years. •The United States Army will continue to employ robotics in the future. •Our experience is Robots can save lives and money. 24

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