SBIR-STTR Award

Small, high-speed, highly-maneuverable unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with a manipulator; zipper mast and winch/hoist system using a tele-operated control system. This low cost UGV can be quickly reconfigured for chemical, biological and nuclear sensors as well as variety of cameras. The engine will be a rotational design that consumes heavy fuels measuring 10 inches long by five inches wide and currently under development. The structure will be made of lightweight, high impact thermoform material. The manipulator is currently under design via an U.S. Army, TARDEC, SBIR and is both low cost and meets program requirements. Extended line of sight is offered by integrating the control antenna to the Zipper mast when the signal gets minimal the mast raises to keep the UGV in line of sight. The zipper mast, when integrated with the winch system offers the ability to lift objects while the manipulator can cut wires. The Zipper mast offers a "look down" capability not found in todays UGV's. Existing voice communications from our product line can be integrated into this UGV.

Benefits:
The benefit of utilizing a manipulator/zipper mast provides customers with a new feature on UGV's and makes them become more universal and not dedicated to one mission. Police Departments, Department of Homeland Security and others have expressed interest in purchasing a UGV of this design.

Keywords:
small UGV, highly maneuverable, manipulator, zipper mast, winch-hoist system, tele-operated, reconfigurable UGV, low cost UGV

A low-profile, high elevation, retractable mast can enhance communications and situational awareness in small UGVs by overcoming line-of-sight and height limitations. Phase I developed a small mast, 5-inches high, 7 inches diameter, extending 8-feet with a six pound sensor. The ZipperMast knits together three bands of steel forming a ridged 3-D structure with an internal cable that simultaneously extends and retracts with the mast. The cable has external connectors at the base for UGV integration and the mast top for the sensor payload integration. The cable transmits power, data, video and radio antenna signals. Phase II will extend the mast to reach 14 feet allowing operators to look in second story windows, over walls and on top of semi-trailers and trucks. The ZipperMast will be ruggedized for field use by improving the electro-mechanical quick release for sensor payloads, refining the band design, increasing band strength, sealing the electronics and motors against water and dust, upgrading the motors to lift heavier loads. The ZipperMast will be integrated with a “Man Transportable Robotic System” platform for test and evaluation, elevating a pan-tilt-zoom camera and communications antennas, with electronic stabilization for surveillance on the move.

Keywords:
Retractable Mast, Zippermast, Situational Awareness Mast, Persistent Surveillance, Improved Line-Of-Sight, Unmanned Ground Vehicle, Unattended Ground Sensor, Modular Payload