WSTIAC: Weapon Systems Technology Information Analysis Center. Volume 6, Number 1
Abstract
We are pleased to present two articles that are both parts of a continuing series. The first article on biomimetics is written jointly by Dr. Joe Ayers of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dr. Joel Davis of the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Virginia. The other article is the second in a series on Systems Engineering by Rick Dean, Alion Science and Technology, Systems Division, Director for Systems Engineering and a member of the WSTIAC staff. In the biomimetics article, Drs. Ayers and Davis describe a robot designed to emulate the mechanics of a lobster for potential littoral zone mine countermeasure applications. They describe the ambulatory locomotory movements and the hydrodynamic adaptability of a lobster and the manner in which they have implemented these abilities in the robot. They give a brief description of the biomimetic control architecture, the design of leg state machinery and its fabrication, and the biomimetic sensors, which allow the robot to navigate and perform autonomously in an unpredictable environment. The second article discusses the relevance of systems engineering to DoD systems, and briefly touches upon the Essential Elements of Project and Systems Engineering, as described by Dr. Howard Eisner. We show how Systems Engineering can help to contain cost. We also suggest benefits and provide examples of using Systems Engineering in the Science and Technology phases of development to aid the transition into the acquisition phases, ultimately resulting in more successful DoD programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA444160
Entities
People
- Joel L. Davis
- Joseph Ayers
- Richard Dean