RE2 to develop HDMS for US Army

5th January 2012 - 12:41 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

RSS

RE2 has announced that it has been selected by the US Army's Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) to develop a two-arm Highly Dexterous Manipulation System (HDMS). The award was issued under a Phase II Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) competitive contract.

The work will focus on work to enhance the capabilities of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) currently used for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) to perform critical tasks such as inspection, detection, and neutralisation of explosive devices. These systems currently include a single arm manipulator, and are often limited in their dexterity, reach and lifting capacity.

RE2 will develop the dual-arm HDMS technology to provide the robot operator with capabilities that far exceed currently fielded single-manipulator robots. These capabilities include inspection in tight and cluttered spaces, manipulating wires, opening bags or packages, unscrewing lids on containers, and other abilities to provide access and information while operating at a safe distance.

RE2 currently holds prime contracts with various branches and organizations of the US military, including the Navy, Army, Air Force, and DARPA, to develop advanced manipulation systems that interoperate with both existing and future robotic platforms. According to the company, RE2's development efforts are focused on creating plug-n-play manipulation systems and end-effectors that are interoperable with existing and next-generation robotic platforms.

Author

The Shephard News Team

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

More from Uncrewed Vehicles

Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system

Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments

Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS

The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024

AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards

The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official

Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.