Robot-Assisted Convoys a Rolling Reality

  • Published
  • By Heyward Burnett
  • Materials & Manufacturing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A novel robotic package developed for use aboard military convoy vehicles enables greatly improved vigilance and safety for mobile personnel. Developed by Air Force Research Laboratory, the University of Florida, and Autonomous Solutions, Inc., the technology allows designated personnel within the procession to safely divert their attention towards the surrounding area, where improvised explosive devices and other potential threats may lurk. 

The package comprises a tether system linking a lead vehicle and a follower vehicle. A person drives the lead vehicle, while the robotic assembly operates the follower vehicle. This setup allows the individual riding in the follower vehicle to concentrate on spotting possible threats. A cable connects the follower to the leader's tow hitch; this cable spools out as the lead vehicle moves. Inside the follower vehicle, a computer measures the cable's length and angle in order to determine the exact location of the lead vehicle. The computer stores this information, continually saving the captured data points. Actuators hardwired to the computer and attached to the steering column, brakes, and accelerator receive electrical signals sent from the computer. These signals, which reflect the stored data points, tell the actuators how to steer, as well as when to brake or accelerate. The system underwent successful preliminary testing wherein personnel rode inside the follower vehicle to assess whether it was responding properly. In this controlled-environment test, the system experienced no observable problems. 

A similarly fashioned, vision-based system is also in the works. Currently in the initial phase of development, it relies on a camera rather than a tether. Attached to the follower vehicle, the camera images infrared light-emitting diode dots on the leader. The system then measures various aspects of the collected LED dots to determine the distance between the two vehicles. 

Both packages will ultimately assist mobile personnel in maintaining optimal situational awareness by facilitating continuous visual surveillance of the immediate vicinity. The US Army's Tank and Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Command conducted tests of the automated assembly. During testing, follower vehicles were first driven manually by researchers who simultaneously attempted to spot cones placed along the course. Next, the followers were operated robotically, with researchers merely riding in the vehicles as they tried to spot the cones. Test results showed that participants spotted the cones more effectively when they were not trying to drive and locate cones concurrently.