Enhancing Man-Portable Robot Functionality through Integration of New Sensor Payloads

摘要

The Technology Transfer project of the Unmanned Systems Branch at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego seeks to improve the functionality and autonomy of small mobile robot systems by harvesting prior and ongoing developments for insertion into current programs. Over the past year, we have been working with the Center for Commercialization of Advanced Technologies (CCAT) to integrate sensor packages from private companies to increase the payload options for small unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). These sensor packages enable and enhance various aspects of robotic autonomy and human robot interaction. Combined with the Robotic Intelligence Kernel (RIK) software originally developed by Idaho National Laboratory, we have demonstrated and evaluated the commercialization potential of various capabilities on man-portable UGVs, such as radiation detection, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), automatically deployed sensors for remote monitoring of previously explored areas, enhanced video, acoustic sensing, stereo vision, and advanced behaviors for human-robot teaming. These capabilities have been combined into modular payloads with standard interfaces, allowing for easy integration with a wide range of robotic platforms.