Controlling Multiple Security Robots in a Warehouse Environment

Abstract

The Naval Command Control and Ocean Surveillance Center (NCCOSC) has developed an architecture to provide coordinated control of multiple autonomous vehicles from a single host console. The Multiple Robot Host Architecture (MRHA) is a distributed multiprocessing system that can be expanded to accommodate as many as 32 robots. The initial application will employ eight Cybermotion K2A Navmaster robots configured as remote security platforms in support of the Mobile Detection Assessment and Response System (MDARS) Program. This paper discusses developmental testing of the MRHA in an operational warehouse environment, with two actual and four simulated robotic platforms. 2.0 Background MDARS is a joint Army-Navy development effort intended to provide an automated intrusion detection and inventory assessment capability for use in DoD warehouses and storage sites. The program is managed by the Physical Security Equipment Management Office at Ft. Belvoir, VA. The Armament Research Development...