Revolutionary platform mounted robotic arm to be unveiled by HDT at AUVSI 2010

HDT Engineered Technologies (HDT), a provider of highly-engineered mobile military and emergency response solutions, will unveil its technologically-advanced robotic arm, the MK-1, mounted on a tracked robot platform at the AUVSI's Unmanned Systems 2010 Conference, August 24-27 in Denver, CO.

The MK-1 was created for hazardous missions such as explosive ordnance disposal for the military and homeland defense. The newest advancements to the MK-1 technology are a mounting kit with wireless interface that is platform independent, a stereo vision system, an enhanced HDT 10 degree-of-freedom joystick controller that is a USB accessory to OCUs, and OCU software for Linux and Windows operating systems.

The arm, developed by HDT scientists and engineers, offers users more advanced capabilities than what is currently available on the market. With near-human dexterity and high payload capacity, the MK-1 allows the user to grasp and to handle irregularly-shaped objects by incorporating twelve actuated degrees of freedom and eighteen articulated joints. The arm and wrist consist of six separate modules with seven degrees of freedom, and the three-finger hand uses four actuators to drive 10 articulated joints. These components provide superior dexterity, exceeding the grasp and manipulation capabilities of other robotic arms currently fielded. The lightweight arm may be mounted on any tracked robot platform on the market, making this technology versatile for current or future applications.

"The technology our team put into this arm is so innovative because we've incorporated components and software that allow this system to exceed established weight, performance and power requirements for defense and homeland security uses. The new features of the MK-1 allow our military and first responders greater agility while protecting personnel by reducing time down range," said Tom Van Doren, Ph.D., Vice President of Robotics Systems for HDT.

Attendees at the AUVSI Unmanned Systems 2010 Conference will have the opportunity to see the MK-1 in action through live demonstrations and to even control the MK-1 system themselves.

"The HDT team continues to make great in-roads into robotics technology aimed to assist our war fighters and first responders and ultimately, to save lives. I am extremely proud of the work that has been put into this product and look forward to seeing its impact on the market," said Vince Nardy, CEO of HDT.

Source: HDT

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