WFS Defense, Allen-Vanguard to collaborate for WURFR
WFS Defense has announced that it will collaborate with Allen-Vanguard on providing solutions for defeating terrorist/extremist threats, to develop and demonstrate the world's first Wireless Underground Robots for First Responders (WURFR) robotic vehicle. The companies made the announcement in a 31 January 2012 statement.
First Responders are currently unable to communicate reliably with robots operating underground, in collapsed structures, and similar situations. Today's vehicles operate with tethers or 'breadcrumb' repeaters (small transmission devices deployed like breadcrumbs) which can limit usability in an emergency situation.
WURFR aims to overcome these challenges. This will be the first attempt to fully integrate WFS wireless technology into a commercial robotic platform and demonstrate a robot operating underground. The wireless technology will enable the development of robots that can then be used in tunnels, collapsed buildings, sewerage networks and in shallow water - anywhere it might be unsafe for a human to go.
The robot will use WFS’ wireless modems to provide 2-way communications, networking and location capabilities through-ground and will enable the robot to stream video, collect sensor data and act as a repeater for underground voice communications. With wireless communications and location/tracking capabilities, First Responders are able to deploy robots for search and rescue activities more widely, more rapidly and more safely. The WURFR system will improve safety for First Responder teams, reduce costs of inspecting and clearing emergency locations, and introduce no tether, increased flexibility of deployment
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