A novel communications device that greatly extends the operating range of robots has been licensed by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) in San Diego, Calif., to three different companies.
The device is a wireless relay package carried on a robot or unmanned ground vehicle. The device automatically deploys a "relay brick" when it senses a decrease in signal strength with the operator control unit. When the brick hits the ground, it unfurls an antenna and begins to relay the signal, enabling the robot to stay in contact. In addition to extending the operating range of robots, this innovation allows robots to function in non-line-of-sight conditions, such as mountains or tunnels.
The licensees for the SSC Pacific technology are GEMCITY Engineering and Manufacturing in Dayton, Ohio; InteSys, LLC in Carlsbad, Calif.; and DRS Technologies in Parsippany, N.J. GEMCITY focuses on lean manufacturing of electro-mechanical assemblies, subassemblies, and systems. InteSys is a developer and manufacturer of components, and systems for robotic platforms. DRS Technologies focuses on defense technology and is a supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide.
The three companies are developing the Navy relay-brick technology for the military as well as first responders. Applications include safe disposal of explosive devices, cleaning up hazardous spills, searches for chemical or biological warfare agents, and firefighting.
TechLink, Bozeman, Mont., a nationally operating Department of Defense (DOD) partnership intermediary, helped SSC Pacific and the companies with the licensing agreements. TechLink was assisted by two other DOD partnership intermediaries, FirstLink in Pittsburgh, Pa., and TechMatch in Fairmont, W. Va.
More info: Chandra Morris, TechLink, 406-994-7702, cmorris@montana.edu
