By Andy Choi
RE2, a developer of smart modular manipulation systems, declared that it has received a Phase II army small business innovation research competitive contract from the U.S Army to design a dual-arm highly dexterous manipulation system (HDMS).
The dual-arm HDMS technology will be utilized in the Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC).
At present, robotic systems for explosive ordnance disposal comprise a manipulator to carry out important tasks like detection, inspection and neutralization of explosive equipment. Such manipulators are limited in terms of reach, dexterity, and lifting capacity. The primary aim of the HDMS technology is to equip the robot operator with the desired capabilities that surpass existing single-manipulator robots. These capabilities comprise manipulating wires, inspection in tight and cluttered spaces, unscrewing lids on containers, opening packages and bags etc. to give access and information while operating from a secure position.
RE2’s President and CEO, Jorgen Pedersen stated that the dual-arm HDMS technology has allowed the Army personnel to increase both performance and capability when compared to present manipulators for semi-autonomous and tele-operated use in unmanned ground vehicles. These enhancements help in reducing time-on-target as well as the overall mission time, thus providing more safety to the mission personnel.
RE2 specializes in intelligent mobile manipulation and has received a number of contracts from various organizations and branches of the U.S. military arm to design sophisticated manipulation systems that can be used with both current and future robotic platforms.
Dr. Patrick Rowe, RE2’s Vice President of R&D, stated that the company is happy to develop a dual-arm manipulation system and added that they have refined their research and development efforts over the past 10 years to ensure continuous advancement in the robotic manipulator capabilities.