AFRL Demonstrates Robotic Perimeter Security System Published Nov. 19, 2008 By Heyward Burnette Materials and Manufacturing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL researchers participated in the Robotic Physical Security Experiment, conducted at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico. For their role in the effort, the researchers demonstrated the capabilities of the Defender, a robotic platform that performs reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and threat neutralization tasks in support of base defense operations. This state-of-the-art robotic technology enables security forces to patrol perimeters and check breaches without stepping into harm's way, increasing the safety of military personnel and the protection of assets. AFRL researchers visited Kirtland AFB to perform the experiment with the 377th Security Forces Squadron. In preparation for the activity, they first placed vehicle and personnel detection sensors in the ground around the selected perimeter and then arranged the radar. After setting up the Operation Control Unit in a mobile command post, the researchers trained 377th SFS Airmen on the robot's operation. Once adept at these operational techniques, the Airmen commenced exercises involving an "aggressor's" tripping of system sensors. Instead of responding manually to check the alarm, the security forces personnel operated the Defender remotely, sending it out to check and identify the potential adversary. Upon receiving the visual feed supplied by the Defender's camera system, the participants used the radio system to address the would-be aggressor, directing the individual to stop and identify himself. In real-life situations of this nature, the Defender technology provides Airmen a means for applying deadly force, if necessary, without actually endangering themselves. The experiment consisted of three different scenarios, effectively testing all of the Defender's capabilities. In the first scenario, exercise participants used the Defender to perform persistent autonomous patrols of the perimeter, without incident. In the second scenario, they used the Defender to respond to a sensor alert of a possible aggressor, who turned out to be a nonhostile local citizen. The third scenario, which began with the Airmen's use of the Defender to perform a routine perimeter check, progressed through a series of events involving the detection, intercept, and neutralization of a hostile aggressor. Lasting a total 20 days, the Robotic Physical Security Experiment afforded the AFRL researchers ample time for easily and quickly training the security forces personnel in all aspects of the Defender's capabilities. The experiment also helped the researchers identify areas of the system needing improvement before future use.