SUGV
Small Unmanned, Autonomous Ground Vehicle
(FCS Class I UGV) / IRobot
iROBOT,
the developer and producer of the PacBot,
demonstrated a model of the Small UGV (SUGV) currently under development
for the US Army Future Combat Systems (FCS) program. The SUGV will
weigh around 10 kg (20 pounds), compared with 22kg (48 pounds) of
the current PacBot. It will carry a payload weight of about 3 kg,
utilizing multiple payloads, utilizing "plug-and-play"
architecture. This man-portable SUGV will feature tele-operated
control or autonomous operation, supported by ad-hoc communications
to establish swarm operation by grouping several SUGVs together
on a single mission. The new SUGV will offer higher durability,
withstanding being tossed through a window or thrown from an upper
floor. Equipped with mission specific modules,
SUGVs will be configured to conduct military operations in urban
terrain, including tunnels, sewers, and caves, assisting warfighters
tasked with manpower intensive or high-risk functions without exposing
Soldiers directly to the hazard. (i.e. urban Intelligence, Surveillance,
and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, chemical/Toxic Industrial Chemicals
(TIC)/Toxic Industrial Materials (TIM), reconnaissance, etc.)
iROBOT also released develops a larger platform called NEOMover
- 150 kg platform, carrying a payload of 100k g
(200 pounds). The new robot will follow the design principles of
the smaller PacBot (including the characteristic tracks and flippers
design). NEOmover will be more durable and robust, NEOMover will
be capable of climbing steps and obstacles, drop from a one storey
high rooftop and endure harsh environmental conditions.
|
|