Ground Robotics

Abstract

This Program Element supports modernization of the current Ground Robotic fleets by investigating technology insertions including, but not limited to: condition based maintenance, vetronics, Robotic Architecture, autonomous operations and other emerging technologies. Funding also supports developing initial prototypes to enable refinement of Operational Requirements and early user feedback to support future sustainment and operational movement operating concepts. A portion of this funding line is a key enabler of the Army Modernization Priorities in support of the Universal Robotic Controller program. BS9: The Robotic Payloads project is a suite of modular capabilities designed with open architecture to provide an increased level of standoff, situational awareness, disruption capability, and dexterity to respond to current and emergent Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Engineer requirements. Current Man Transportable Robotic Systems Increment II (MTRS Inc II) and Common Robotic System - Heavy (CRS-H) system characteristics include the following: a remote controlled articulated arm with a gripper, operating range up to 800 meters, multiple illuminated cameras, a pan/tilt surveillance camera, two-way radio, and a ruggedized operator control unit. This project supports development and testing of the following capabilities: Extended Range Mesh Network (ERMN), Pan/Tilt Imager (PTI) and Obstacle Avoidance & Digital Modeling (OA&DM). The use of robotic payloads allows the first approach, to potentially explosive hazards, to be made by a robot rather than a Soldier. These multiple, modular robotic mission payloads will use open architecture to integrate with the MTRS Inc II and CRS-H platforms to form the Army's next generation platform adaptable robotics systems. FY 2023 Base dollars in the amount of $7.643 million supports Extended Range Mesh Network (ERMN) and Pan/Tilt Imager (PTI) payload prototypes to include development of the necessary software updates to allow for payload to platform communications and development of integration provisions for mounting the ERMN and PTI to both the MTRS Inc II and CRS-H platforms. Additionally, FY 2023 funding supports Development and Production Prove-out Testing, logistics product analysis and verification and execution of user jury event. FB2: The Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) Inc. II is the Army's Soldier transportable, remotely operated, medium size (<= 164 lbs.) common robotic system. The system utilizes both radio and tethered communications allowing dismounted Soldiers to perform hazardous missions from a safe standoff distance. The MTRS Inc. II system consists of an Operator Control Unit (OCU), a suite of various mission payloads, and a mobility platform. Open architecture and the Ground Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) Interoperability Profile (IOP) requirements are employed to reduce obsolescence risks and to maximize efficiency in acquiring future capabilities. MTRS Inc. II will support current and future payload missions for the Engineer's route clearance platoons, Special Operational Forces (SOF) detachments, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Units. FB2 has no FY 2023 funding request. FB3: Robotic Architecture (RA) provides the engineering and development resources to manage the overarching architecture for robotic systems that are both modular and interoperable across the Joint Force in order to facilitate future modernization efforts. It will manage the interoperability standards, modular payload interfaces, common software and common architecture for robotics & autonomous platforms, payloads & universal controllers. It will establish a Common Specifications Reference (CSR) to provide a repository codifying the Army Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) standards for open architecture, interoperability interfaces, common control, performance specifications and test results. RA includes the construction of program specific Interoperability Profiles (IOP) (i.e. Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Inc II, Tactical Wheeled Vehicle-Leader Follower (TWV-LF), Common Robotics System (Individual) (CRS(I)) Inc. II, Enhanced Robotic Payloads (ERP), Light Reconnaissance Robot (LRR), Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), Assault Breacher Vehicle Remote Control System (ABV RCS), Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV), Universal Robotic Controller, etc.), and new standards addressing emerging requirements and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) (i.e. Cyber Security, new autonomous behaviors & artificial intelligence, new payloads, lethality, etc.). RA underpins the RAS Software Foundry by providing the interface standards to allow the compatibility between next generation autonomous & unmanned software products (i.e., Robotic Technology Kernel, Warfighter Machine Interface, and innovative industry software products). FY 2023 Base dollars in the amount of $2.769 million supports the finalization of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems-Ground (RAS-G) Interoperability Profile (IOP) Version 6.0 and the maturation of IOP to a model based single source of truth to enable digital engineering. IOP V6.0 will provide the required modular open interfaces and compliance test tools for new programs including S-MET Modular Mission Payloads (MMPs), LRR, TWV-LF, OMFV, RCV, ERP, Assault Breacher Vehicle Remote Control System (ABV RCS), Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV), Universal Robotic Controller, and robotic applique kits for manned ground systems. Additionally, FY 2023 RDTE funds will continue the development and hardening of Robotic Operating System, Military (ROS-M) software modules and ROS-M instantiation documents, and management of ROS-M registry & repository infrastructure. FY 2023 RDTE funds will also mature the Common Specification Reference (CSR) to a minimum viable product. FB4: The Common Robotic System - Individual (CRS(I)) is the Army's small sized (<25 lbs.) Soldier back-packable, remotely operated, common robotic system. The system provides dismounted Soldiers with increased standoff capability from hazardous threats. The system consists of a Universal Robotic Controller (URC), a suite of various payloads, and an open architecture common mobility platform allowing for future capability growth. The CRS(I) will allow the operator to quickly re-configure for other various missions by adding or removing modules and/or payloads. The CRS(I) will provide interrogation, detection, confirmation, and neutralization capabilities employed to support a wide spectrum of mobility missions for current and future forces. This capability provides commanders the ability to persistently monitor the Operating Environment (OE) while protecting and sustaining the force. The CRS(I) complements the Joint Integrated Warfighting Force by providing standoff to the Warfighter during major combat, stability, and homeland security operations. FB4 has no FY 2023 funding request. FB6: Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Increment I will help to reduce Soldier loads by transporting mission specific equipment, resupply equipment, and supplies required for extended operations. The S-MET will be capable of carrying the equipment currently required to support Infantry and Engineer Platoons in the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) for a 72 hour mission without resupply. The S-MET will reduce Soldier load, increase squad mobility during combat operations and dismounted maneuvers. S-MET will have open architectures, a remote control, support casualty evacuation, power generation/offload and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP). S-MET Inc II is a follow on program that will add capability and system maturity in the areas of platform autonomy, increased cyber and electromagnetic interference hardening, ballistic protections against kinetic threats, and improved battery safety for additional transportability modes. In addition, S-MET Inc II will have added capability to integrate government furnished Modular Mission Payloads (MMPs), such as dismount radios, counter Unmanned Aerial Systems, and universal battery chargers FY 2023 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $11.270 million supports Increment I Technical Insertions, Engineering Change Proposals, and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) to increase mission capabilities and address requirements in the Abbreviated Capability Development Document (A-CDD). FY 2023 RDTE funds testing and development of logistics material required to support MMP efforts. Program support to include labor, travel and miscellaneous expenses in support of these RDTE efforts will also be funded. FY 2023 also funds SMET Increment II development, prototyping, and test initiation. The total cost of the SMET Increment I Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Fielding effort is $164.350 million from FY19 to FY24, including $29.345 million of RDT&E and $135.005 million of Procurement. The SMET program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. FB8: The Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) is a small unmanned aerial vehicle. The SBS provides a near term solution to three Army War-fighting Challenges at the Infantry Squad level: develop situational understanding, conduct air-ground reconnaissance, and conduct joint combined arms maneuver. The system is simple to deploy and use to support the squad leader's decision-making process. The system allows Soldiers to obtain local situational awareness and understanding of their immediate surroundings while remaining in covered or concealed positions. Funding in this project aligns with Army's priorities in support of the National Defense Strategy. In FY 2020, this project and funding transitioned to PE: 06044827A / Soldier Systems - Warrior Dem/Val project 0604827A.FK4. FB9: The Common Robotic System, Heavy (CRS(H)) is a modular large-sized system that provides enhanced protection to the EOD Soldier in order to support the Joint Force Commander with the ability to identify, render safe and dispose of explosive ordnance (EO) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in support of the Range of Military Operations (ROMO) and Home Land Defense (HLD) operations. CRS(H) will also enable EOD Soldiers to execute Defense Support of the Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations in response to requests from federal, state, local, and tribal authorities for domestic incidents, emergencies, disasters, designated law enforcement support and other activities. CRS(H) will support current and future missions for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units. The MTRS Standardization project provides the platforms to support integration and testing of payloads and technology for non-standard unmanned ground robotics systems used by Army Engineers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) and Special Operational Forces (SOF) units. Current system characteristics include the following: a remote controlled articulated arm with a gripper, operating range up to 800 meters, multiple illuminated cameras, a pan/tilt surveillance camera, two-way radio, and a ruggedized operator control unit. The platforms provided will support development and testing of the following capabilities: High Dexterous Manipulation System (HDMS), Multi-Spectral Image Fusion System (MIFS), and Precision Aimed Multi-shot Disruptor (PAMD). The use of robotics allows the first approach, to potentially explosive hazards, to be made by a robot rather than a Soldier. FB9 has no FY 2023 funding request. FG8: Universal Robotics Control (URC) will provide the common information system for all squad and above Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) command and control (C2). The U.S. Army is challenged to transform the Command and Control (C2) warfighting function to execute the RAS strategy in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The Universal Robotics Control (URC) program responds to this challenge by developing and fielding a system that rapidly synchronizes effects in all domains to defeat the enemy regardless of the mission command network. The URC operates as a distributed information system designed for resilience in a high threat environment utilizing existing and planned RAS elements. URC provides soldier and machine interfaces to establish and maintain positive C2 in all phases of combat and support operations, supported by a continuously developed software ecosystem. The capabilities of a unified information system for RAS C2 at the tactical edge enables improved situational awareness, multi-domain maneuvers, and deployment of lethal and nonlethal effects. URC is a critical enabling capability for NGCV OMFV and RCV programs. FY 2023 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $5.127 million will be utilized for Systems Engineering and Program Management (SEPM) to develop and execute risk reduction and program maturation activities. This includes Statement of Work and System Specification preparation. FY 2023 funding will be utilized to conduct execution of a Software Acquisition Pathway pending final OPR determination of the acquisition strategy, including identification of necessary support activities for MOSA/MBSE engineering and Safety, Cyber, and other certifications that support a continuous software development and fielding effort.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2023
• Source ID: 0605053A_5_2040_PB_2023
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2023 funding increase reflects the fact that the FY 2022 President's Budget request did not include out-year funding.
• Service Agency Name: Army

Entities

Organizations

• United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Autonomy
• Counter WMD
• Cyber
• Ground and Sea Platforms
• Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Autonomous Systems
• Collision Avoidance
• Combat Operations
• Command And Control
• Control Systems
• Digital Engineering
• Engineers
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Ground Control Stations
• Information Systems
• Multi-Domain Operations
• Open System Architecture
• Systems Engineering
• Systems Management
• Test And Evaluation
• Unmanned Ground Systems
• Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• AI & ML
• AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
• AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control