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 2024 Base dollars in the amount of $5.071 million, continues to support the integration and testing of the Extended Range Mesh Network (ERMN) and Pan Tilt Imager (PTI) capabilities onto both the MTRS Inc and CRS-H platforms. Additionally, FY 2024 funding supports logistics product analysis, the start of Instructor and Key Personnel Training (I&KPT), continues production prove-out testing and fixes to the prototypes once testing is complete. Programmatic Support funding will be used to achieve Milestone C. 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) / Autonomous Transport Vehicle - System (ATV-S), 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 2024 Base dollars in the amount of $2.731 million supports the post-finalization of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Ground (RAS-G) Interoperability Profile (IOP) Version 6.0, the initiation of IOP Version 7.0, and the maturation of IOP to a model based single source of truth to enable digital engineering. IOP 7.0 will provide the required modular open interfaces and compliance test tools for new programs including S-MET Modular Mission Payloads (MMPs), LRR, CRS(H), ATV-S, OMFV, RCV, ERP, Assault Breacher Vehicle Remote Control System (ABV RCS), Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV), Robotics & Autonomy Command & Control (RAC2), Common Tactical Truck (CTT) and robotic applique kits for manned ground systems. The IOP provides the interfaces between autonomy kits and vehicle by-wire kits, as well as the interfaces to Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) and Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI). Additionally, FY 2024 RDTE funds will iterate, mature & harden Robotic Operating System, Military (ROS-M) software modules and ROS-M instantiation documents and manage the ROS-M registry & repository infrastructure. FY 2024 RDTE funds will also mature the Common Specification Reference (CSR) from a minimum viable product to a minimum viable capability release. FB6: The Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) provides small units with a remote-controlled cargo/equipment transport and limited tactical resupply capability, increasing mission capabilities while reducing the individual Soldier load. The S-MET will be capable of carrying 2,500 pounds of equipment currently required to support Infantry and Engineer Platoons in the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) for a 72-hour mission without resupply. It is also capable of generating 1-3KW of offload power, with an operational range of 20 miles in silent mode. S-MET will have open architectures, a remote control, support casualty evacuation, and integrate a number of Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) and technical insertions. The Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) is 2,818 across S-MET Inc I and S-MET Inc II. The Army Procurement Objective (APO) S-MET Inc I quantity is 624. The total cost of the S-MET Increment I Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Fielding effort is $162.300 million from FY19 to FY24, including $26.362 million of RDT&E and $135.938 million of Procurement. The S-MET program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. FY 2024 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $4.227 million continues to support the development, integration, and testing of 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 2024 RDTE funds will also continue to fund 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 2024 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $15.612 also funds the continuation of S-MET Increment II development, prototyping, test initiation, and performance and safety testing. 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). 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 2024 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $7.678 million will be utilized in the Execution Phase of the Software Acquisition Pathway. This effort will execute the development of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and the Minimum Viable Capability Release (MVCR) and Software Acquisition Pathway associated tasks. This phase will include: deployment of iterative developed software to the operational environment, conducting value assessments with user community to mature capability requirements, and provide technical training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 0605053A_5_2040_PB_2024
- Change Summary Explanation
- Project BS9 increased for completion of Extended Range Mesh Networking (ERMN) and Pan-Tilt Imaging (PTI) testing
- Service Agency Name
- Army
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army
Related Documents
- Child Project: Robotic Payloads
- Child Accomplishment: Prototype and Payload Development
- Child Accomplishment: Integration & Software Development (Platform)
- Child Accomplishment: ERMN and PTI Prototypes
- Child Accomplishment: Testing and Evaluation
- Child Accomplishment: Program Support
- Child Accomplishment: SBIR/STTR Transfer
- Child Accomplishment: Test Assets
- Child Cost Item: 8f5a7bb13153161538183c060907004e
- Child Cost Item: 390c65a3e2893db0f7f89c179dd4d4aa
- Child Cost Item: abc9132cbfa1cd32cae3ebffeea4729b
- Child Cost Item: 6db01c4e9318f42f1f7eb157181f7b79
- Child Cost Item: 23e81a5afcb96b18602b1a9c5abf1b88
- Child Cost Item: 1e6f93c1cbc8f4c6cbcf3962adeb1238
- Child Cost Item: d1f993174a306549a70dbf368a948c0c
- Child Cost Item: 97988486e4d62871dd717b8d7727da18
- Child Cost Item: 3ecc2a21147be925bb8616368403d8f6
- Child Cost Item: 5217feb2a94b41a5d9051c1fcdf74652
- Child Project: Robotics Architecture
- Child Accomplishment: Robotics Architecture
- Child Accomplishment: SBIR/STTR Transfer
- Child Cost Item: dbc23ce263b7211dc43938dcf9496aa2
- Child Cost Item: 78c00ad238a6b36ddaeb2881f0663a4d
- Child Cost Item: d493b750bcfff6d5ba3f332acc408723
- Child Cost Item: 9a8ab82ff72595174067cfed1e3f0ae4
- Child Cost Item: 66c3ccf05b40ed0512a1b11434f1ab3e
- Child Cost Item: df3c2d21ab431f98621f88da7531b0d7
- Child Cost Item: 947b099ef422bc7d9a37de4483f75ba4
- Child Cost Item: 926b26becaf697f237cd2093162e60ef
- Child Cost Item: 273fec51c347ace9eda69855605c8821
- Child Cost Item: 807a5c876d16b13a89eff0bc119a3790
- Child Project: Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET)
- Child Accomplishment: S-MET
- Child Accomplishment: S-MET Inc II
- Child Accomplishment: SBIR/STTR Transfer
- Child Cost Item: 22a6ed903d334a38035536ec9a393585
- Child Cost Item: 9d8aadaa8e678967c1670e185ed668e1
- Child Cost Item: 43130fa4bfe1cf009c2a04cb9003533c
- Child Cost Item: a3f07a8083d00a198e433f82fc97fd60
- Child Cost Item: 4746b5f33dbd0dbd5914b72574f0a0ed
- Child Cost Item: 4c998c0cdbc84dc7face20b37ad2d2e6
- Child Cost Item: 0b5c38fbe3f27b3454433bcf10edcf75
- Child Cost Item: c58cd0f19a834bc3b577aacec8af3a09
- Child Cost Item: f25aa3a1c736fef10acf4c5dea9632ad
- Child Cost Item: 8c32592377b9fb3f984716f95db23fe7
- Child Project: Common Robotic Controller
- Child Accomplishment: RAC2 improves Soldier situational awareness while reducing cognitive load on Soldiers and the robotics portfolio logistics footprint
- Child Accomplishment: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
- Child Cost Item: 72694a9cd3fdde4c11223eb2d83d3acd
- Child Cost Item: d25856eca61a8801f8115cf9076afd55
- Child Cost Item: 60544b67c271f9a9b0ae0f9c95d1bd30
- Child Cost Item: 9f645a869a893eed886f55d3c692afe2
- Child Cost Item: a8aabfac98c9ef17bbd2e960be63413d