The DARPA LANdroids program

Abstract

The goal of the DARPA LANdroids program is to enhance tactical communications in urban environments by developing inexpensive pocket-sized intelligent autonomous robotic radio relay nodes. LANdroids will move to establish and maintain mesh networks that support voice and data traffic between dismounted warfighters and higher command. Through autonomous movement and intelligent control algorithms, LANdroids will mitigate the serious communications problems inherent in urban settings, e.g., relaying signals into shadows and making small adjustments to reduce multi-path effects. This presentation presents an overview of the LANdroids program and describes the progress made during Phase I, including the results of the early 2009 end-of-Phase testing program.