Robotics Systems

Abstract

Robotics Systems for Applique and Large Unmanned Ground Systems (ALUGS) Robotics Development (RD) includes efforts necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, validate materiel solutions and determine initial studies and analyses in support of pre-materiel development decision activities for emerging requirements and Programs of Record. RD is designed to facilitate the transition of robotics and autonomous systems technology from Science and Technology (S&T) projects, and/or Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) into emerging programs of record through development of emerging capabilities. This line is for robotic systems that are transported by vehicle, maneuver under their own power, or are installed as robotic applique kits. RD supports early evaluations for operational effectiveness studies of platforms (i.e. Leader Follower (LF), Automated Convoy Operations (ACO), Route Clearance & Interrogation System (RCIS) Type II, Robotic Wingman (RW), etc.) to determine Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL). Studies support Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) that include Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA), RAND studies, and/or modeling to increase confidence in the materiel solution defined in the emerging Capability Development Document (CDD)/Capability Production Document (CPD) that support appropriate Acquisition Category (ACAT), Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) and office of primary responsibility designations. This line also covers pre-acquisition activities intended to reduce risk of not fielding capabilities by the required date, such as market surveys, technical risk assessments, initial development of performance specifications, scopes of work, acquisition strategies, systems engineering plans, test & evaluation master plans, lifecycle sustainment plans, early test planning activities, and prototype development activities. The Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) will build, and test prototype LF systems for safety release, Soldier use, and further technology maturation. Product Manager ALUGS will lead the development of a LF Software Integration Lab (SIL), in addition to Modeling and Simulation (M&S) efforts, to stress the systems and ultimately reduce Program of Record testing requirements through validated simulations. Leader Follower (LF) will provide a limited autonomous vehicle capability to the Palletized Load System (PLS) A1. Leader Follower will provide capability for a manned Leader vehicle with up to seven (7) unmanned Follower vehicles. Initial efforts by the United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center will control up to three (3) optionally manned Follower vehicles with a designated Leader vehicle. The manned Leader vehicle wirelessly provides direction and speed guidance to the Follower vehicles to follow the Leader vehicle with no driver input or unmanned. The primary purposes for Leader Follower are to improve Force Protection and increase Logistics Throughput. Funding allows the Army to demonstrate and operationally assess an unmanned vehicle capability with operational units and users to validate the technology.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2018
• Source ID: FD9_0604017A_4_2040_PB_2018

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• AI & ML
• AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
• AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
• Autonomy