Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Applied Perception rapidly transforming company into leading robotics system integrator

• Current DoD projects require research, development,  management and integration of all necessary components
• Leadership team instrumental in development of JAUS industry standard and luring robotic and engineering talent to western Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, PA – May 5th, 2006– Applied Perception, Inc. (API), a Pittsburgh-based company that develops and licenses robotics-related technologies to market-leading companies in the fields of defense, transportation, and agriculture, today announced three U.S. military projects for which the company is serving as prime contractor. 

Soldier Universal Robot Controller (SURC):
In December of 2004, Applied Perception began a Phase I SBIR for the U.S. Army Research Labs to develop a set of modular technologies that will enable a single soldier to task and command multiple robots of different types, concentrating on the needs of the dismounted soldier. API was recently awarded Phase II of this program to continue their work and develop a fully functional prototype for evaluation by the Army. API’s approach is to develop a standardized software interface that will allow rapid development of both general purpose and mission/robot-specific control stations, with an eye towards module re-use at the front-end, tactical, and transport layers. This initial implementation will be based on the industry’s JAUS standard.  Technologies integrated into the SURC include a multi-modal user interface joystick, XML-based API and architecture, a modular front end, tactical, and transport capabilities.

Learning Applied to Ground Robotics (LAGR):
Applied Perception leads a team funded by DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) that is tasked with advancing robotic navigation through the use of machine learning and passive sensing technologies. As part of this program, API is developing machine learning algorithms for obstacle detection, world modeling, terrain classification, and real-time learning.  For every test since the project began in December 2004, API has delivered a computer vision and learning-based robotic navigation system to DARPA for quantitative evaluation in various locations around the country.  Technologies integrated into the LAGR systems include stereo and monocular cameras, GPS, and inertial sensing.

Small Robotic Tool Kit (SRTK):
For this Phase I SBIR project, API is developing a low cost suite of tools to support advanced operation of small UGVs for U.S. Army TARDEC (Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center).  Specifically, API is exploring simple manipulator payloads that can be easily attached and removed, customizable Operator Control Units (OCUs) that will allow the operator to configure items on the controller device in a context sensitive way, and alternative communication options that the user can select based on the task at hand.  Technologies integrated into the toolkit include manipulators, operator control units (OCUs), and alternative communications

“What is significant about these projects is that they showcase our capabilities in each step of the component technology development process and reinforce the expertise our staff delivers to our customers,” commented Todd Jochem, president of API.  “Our goal is to become a key partner in the design and manufacture of unmanned ground vehicles, and we are well on our way as we have the ability to manage and integrate all the necessary components.”

API has also found that the caliber of these projects has yielded dividends in the form of successful recruiting efforts.  Jochem believes that API has been able to recruit new people to southwestern Pennsylvania and entice young people back to the area because they couldn’t find similar jobs elsewhere and/or they want to be involved in groundbreaking projects that are driving the growth of the robotics industry.

Since its founding in 2001, API has rapidly evolved from a primarily research-based entity to a leading robotic component and system integration company.  Recognized as an industry leader in sensor integration and UGV software development, API boasts a diverse customer base within the U.S. government and participates as a prime contractor for most of these projects.  In addition, three members of API’s management team serve on the JAUS committee, two of them as committee chairs, and provide expertise both at the software and strategic levels.

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About Applied Perception, Inc.
Applied Perception was founded in 2001 by graduates of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute and is focused on  developing and licensing unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) related technologies in the fields of defense, transportation, and agriculture. Applied Perception specializes in complete robotic system integration with a focus on computer software and sensors, but also encompassing electrical, mechanical, and communication technologies. These systems feature sophisticated perception, planning, and control capabilities to provide robust solutions to customer-driven problems. Applied Perception provides services and solutions to a wide variety of clients including Fortune 500 companies, federal and state government agencies, and academic research labs.

Disclaimers: Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of DARPA or the U.S. Army TARDEC. Furthermore, the research reported in this document/presentation was performed in connection with contract/instrument W911QX-06-C-0031 with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.  The views and conclusions contained in this document/presentation are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as presenting the official policies or position, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory or the U.S. Government unless so designated by other authorized documents.  Citation of manufacturer’s or trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use thereof.  The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Government purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation hereon.

For further information, contact:

Todd  Jochem, Ph.D.                         
Applied Perception, Inc.                    
(724) 934-8965 x222                          
toddj@appliedpercption.com

Lynn Seay
prwerks, LLC
(412) 918-0094
lseay@prwerks.com