The proposed task creates the design for a robotic system (Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV))to control and conduct unmanned and unsupervised refueling of another USV. The concept uses an optimized boat design, light-weight low profile crane, boom end mounted robotic effector, novel hose end connection and receiver port design, and hierarchical command and control program based on the NIST Real-Time Control System RCS. The proposed work will detail the design concepts, establish the Concept of Operations, create a real-time, first person simulation of the tanker in operation connecting to a customer, and create the functional and architectural definition documents for the command and control and integrated health management systems.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Vision, Open Architecture, Real Time Operating System, Distributed Computing, Self Healing, Integrated Health Management System