Vol. 51, No. 3        February 12, 1999

Robotics and intelligent systems

Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center 9600 has developed a simulator for groups of cooperating robots, which can potentially do jobs that humans or individually acting robots cannot. The simulator is indispensable in developing complex behaviors needed for many military, civil defense, and humanitarian applications. Examples include rescuing victims of a building collapse and cave-in, disposal of abandoned minefields, and detection, location, and neutralization of biochemical weapons and other terrorist assets. The simulator is being used as a design tool and a marketing tool. (9600)

An automated workcell was developed and shipped to the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant to demonstrate the technologies required for disassembling 40mm fixed round munitions. Development was funded through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Joint Demilitarization Technology Program (JDTP). The systemıs success in exhibiting an alternative to having people disassemble potentially dangerous munitions prompted JDTP to fund a pilot plant that will automate the disassembly of fixed rounds ranging in size from 20-105mm. The MOU is continuing technology development support where it overlaps with DOE interests. (9600, 6500, 4100)

Last modified: February 12, 1999

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