Robotic researchers currently are using insufficient and varying robot platforms to investigate issues crucial to the successful development of a remote reconnaissance tool for the urban search and rescue (USAR) community. USAR robotic researchers need a standard robot platform designed for research in unstructured environments. This platform would accelerate the research essential to advancing remote reconnaissance technology for emergency response professionals. The project utilizes three innovative approaches: tailoring the platform for USAR research, assigning robotic and USAR specialists to the project, and incorporating the robotic and USAR field requirements that influence the platform development. The objective for Phase I of this work is to determine a practical and economical platform to satisfy the needs of researchers. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Although research in emergency service robotics has been performed for over five years, the establishment of a standard robot platform is still in its infancy. This has been demonstrated through two insights. First, robotic researchers focusing on unstructured environments have expressed need for improved equipment to enhance locomotion and sensor modularity. Second, search and rescue competitions held by RoboCup and AAAI have yet to exhibit robots capable of operating in all levels within the NIST Reference USAR Testbed. The need for a platform designed for evaluating the performance of intelligent systems is clear. This platform can be utilized in research for other applications, in addition to the USAR field. Other fields include the explosive ordnance disposal, military, construction, mining, structural engineering, below-grade utilities, hazardous materials inspection, and manufacturing
