Bomb disposal robots have saved thousands of lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the machines are still pretty crude -- with limited vision, and tiny brains. That could start to change soon, however. The U.S. armed forces are getting ready to launch the next generation of bomb-bots.
According to a Navy presentation obtained by Danger Room, the military is planning two models for its Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot System (AEODRS). One machine would be a little smaller and a little longer-lasting than iRobot's Packbot 510 explosives-handler. The other would be a little heavier than Qinetiq's Talon bomb-bot, but a human-like hand would cope with the weapons, in addition to the Talon's claw.
The really substantial changes would be inside the machines: beefed-up sensors, for "self-awareness and environmental awareness," as well as "improved perception and intelligence ... for increased autonomous navigation." The tech would free up military robot-handlers who now have to guide the machine's every move -- and make decisions based on the bot's often fuzzy video feeds.
The AEODRS program is also designed to give the maintenance guys a break. In the current setup, they can only use Packbot sensors on Packbot machines, and Talon devices on Talon robots. The military wants to replace that with an architecture that allows "Sensor A from Robot B [to] be seamlessly swapped and used on Robot C for Sensor D." A controller from one company should be able to guide the other firm's robots, too.
After some initial consultations with robot manufacturers in 2007, the military says it's ready to start the project this fall. Production could begin on the newest bomb-bots by 2013.
According to a Navy presentation obtained by Danger Room, the military is planning two models for its Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot System (AEODRS). One machine would be a little smaller and a little longer-lasting than iRobot's Packbot 510 explosives-handler. The other would be a little heavier than Qinetiq's Talon bomb-bot, but a human-like hand would cope with the weapons, in addition to the Talon's claw.
The really substantial changes would be inside the machines: beefed-up sensors, for "self-awareness and environmental awareness," as well as "improved perception and intelligence ... for increased autonomous navigation." The tech would free up military robot-handlers who now have to guide the machine's every move -- and make decisions based on the bot's often fuzzy video feeds.
The AEODRS program is also designed to give the maintenance guys a break. In the current setup, they can only use Packbot sensors on Packbot machines, and Talon devices on Talon robots. The military wants to replace that with an architecture that allows "Sensor A from Robot B [to] be seamlessly swapped and used on Robot C for Sensor D." A controller from one company should be able to guide the other firm's robots, too.
After some initial consultations with robot manufacturers in 2007, the military says it's ready to start the project this fall. Production could begin on the newest bomb-bots by 2013.
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