The ATLAS forklift, equipped with a heavy-lift extensible crane, is capable of lifting and moving a variety of payloads, both hazardous and non-hazardous. However, the restricted view from the driver's cab makes it difficult or impossible for an unassisted ATLAS driver to engage payload pallets with the vehicle's lifting forks. Instead, a "ground guide" observer must direct these operations while the driver operates the controls. This guided operation requires two skilled people on the scene, which is not only an inefficient use of manpower, but also a significant risk to life and limb during hazardous operations such as munitions loading. Three evolutionary steps are envisioned to address this problem. First, a means will be developed to permit the ATLAS driver to view, engage, lift, move, and place pallets without the assistance of a ground guide. Second, these solutions will be adapted to a teleoperation system such as the Standardized Robotic System, to permit the solo ATLAS driver to perform all required vehicle operations remotely. Third, the teleoperation system will be adapted for fully autonomous operation, so that the vehicle driver need not be present at all.
Benefits: Reduced personnel needed due to elimination of ground guide, with potentially increased safety. Also teleoperation control is enabled, enhancing unmanned operation capability and efficiency
