We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of a government-validated a Raman Bio Identification (RBI) reagentless detection system that can be mounted onto a JAUS-compliant UGV and taken directly to the incident area to evaluate soil, water and surface biowarfare agent contamination. Bringing the sensor to the sample minimizes problems associated with sampling, such as cross-contamination and potential personnel exposure to hazardous chemical or biological materials. Moreover, reagentless, multi-use, broad-spectrum Raman detection offers clear advantages over immunoassay and DNA-based biological detection strategies, especially when configured for use on an unmanned vehicle. The proposed RBI Robot effort combines the unique technology capabilities of organizations that are leaders in their respective fields. As the prime contractor and a leading innovator in the field of Raman sensing for biodetection, ChemImage Corporation brings a history of success managing teams for government-funded programs. The proposed detection system builds upon ChemImage's experience and expertise developing Raman spectroscopic detection technology, which has been validated in several US Government-sponsored test programs. Applied Perception provides the solid foundation of the integration of sensors (camera, laser, sonar, radar, GPS) with sophisticated perception, planning and control software to provide robust solutions to product-driven problems
