Tracked machines, drones and robot dogs are among the suite of
tools defence scientists are working on with pioneers from
industry and academia.
A ‘golf bag' of robotics and autonomy could soon be protecting
lives by replacing people in dangerous situations where there are
chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats.
The concepts by Oxford Dynamics, Createc, Autonomous Devices and
the University of Bristol have received more than £2 million in
funding via the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory
(Dstl) from the
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Dstl
project leader Steve said:
“We are delighted to be working with some of the top minds in
industry and beyond on this exciting project.
“This advanced golf bag of technologies will be able to take
hazardous and dangerous jobs away from people and deal with
highly complex data in real time.
“It is an example of how the work of Dstl is
delivering science and technology advantage across Government and
ensuring that defence and security are prepared for the future.”
Defra
will use these tools for environment remediation and recovery
work.
The unique capabilities could also offer solutions to challenges
across UK defence and beyond as well as supporting more than 100
specialist jobs.
Tracked machine
Oxford Dynamics have fused cutting-edge AI and advanced robotics
to develop a prototype tracked machine called Strider.
The robot will work out the best way to pick up, collect and
store samples.
This involves:
- object detection
- assessing surface quality
- estimating weight
Multi-directional drone
Autonomous Devices have created a multi-directional drone with a
swabbing system to test for contamination in hard to reach
places, such as entering upstairs windows.
This device also includes the potential to apply decontamination
spray.
Robot control software
Createc have developed world-leading robot control software to
enable their fleet of robots to gather information and samples to
deal with an incident including a drone, a robot dog and
four-wheeled vehicles.
These vehicles are autonomous but can be switched over to remote
control if required. They can climb stairs, open car doors and
use tools.
Uncrewed ground vehicle
The University of Bristol is pioneering an uncrewed ground
vehicle with a robotic arm that would work with a tethered drone
to carry out decontamination with a spray system at a range of
heights.
Find out more about our robotics and autonomy.
Chief Scientific Adviser at Defra,
, said:
“Science and technology are vital in preparing for the future and
whatever challenges and opportunities that brings.
“These innovative solutions could help remove people from
hazardous situations and ultimately save lives.
“We are delighted to work with our partners at Dstl and harness
this expertise along with some of the top minds in universities
and industry.”
This work is part of a wider partnership established by
Dstl
and Defra.
The National Technical Advisory Group for CBR Recovery (NTAG-R)
commissions and conducts key research to improve the approach to
CBRN remediation. It works to develop technology options for
remediation activity at pace.
