The U.S. Navy has tapped Lawrenceville-based RE2 Robotics for yet another project in recent weeks, awarding it a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research fund to develop a single control system capable of "coupled control" of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and its robotic manipulator.
According to RE2, the project, named Coupled Locomotion And Manipulation System (CLAMS), will combine its robotic arms' control system and an ROV control system into one unit that aims to improve coordination of the underwater manipulator and the ROV's movements. That will then allow operators to control the robotic arms and the ROV simultaneously using one control system, improving the ability for operators to complete complex, underwater tasks.
“Currently, robotic arms and ROVs are controlled with separate control systems," said Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO, RE2 Robotics, in a release. "CLAMS will enable both the robotic arms and the mobile platform to be operated with a single control unit. Integrating these platforms will enable users to increase efficiency by eliminating the need for an operator to monitor two separate control stations while completing a mission.”
RE2 said the development will also benefit its commercial customers, like those who use the company's robotic arms for underwater oil and gas inspections.
The SBIR funding from the Navy, which RE2 said starts at $140,000 for its initial phase, is the latest of several recent military awards for the Pittsburgh-based company to further develop its robotics products.
On Sept. 28, the U.S. Air Force awarded the company $1.5 million for development of aircraft inspection system and a few weeks before that, the Navy awarded it a $9.5 million contract for its underwater robotic arm system, RE2's largest contract to date.
