"BUGS" Basic Unexploded Ordnance Gathering System: effectiveness of small cheap robotics

Abstract

The subject of ordnance range remediation has received new emphasis in light of recent world events, particularly in the Middle East. The challenge of safely clearing ordnance fields of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) is a serious one, that points to the use of new small robotic machines that can perform the cleanup task without human hands. Strategies that combine the best use of a variety of both highly capable and less capable, but inexpensive robots hold great promise. The Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technical Center has developed a "BUGS" Basic UXO Gathering System, in order to examine such strategies. In support of this effort, simulations are being conducted in order to examine the effects of navigation and control system characteristics on clearance for an inexpensive robotic vehicle in a typical BUGS clearance scenario, and to verify the clearance penalty inherent in a "pick up and carry away' operation.