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RBI: Robotic Bio Identification RobotCustomer: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Description: The purpose of the RBI program is to develop a multi-agent environmental hazard detection system that can be used on an unmanned ground vehicle. During Phase I, our team focused on developing and demonstrating a proof-of-concept system. During Phase II, our efforts are focused on the scientific and engineering tasks needed to develop an integrated Chemical, Biological, Explosive (CBE) detector package, as well as mounting this package on an applicable UGV platform for further, more realistic testing and field evaluation. Our goal is to design the detector package so that it can accommodate multiple detector modalities and be used on multiple UGV platforms. Applied Perception’s responsibilities include leading the UGV portion of the program and embedding our JAUS technology into the CBE package. For the UGV work, we will assess available platforms based on mission, payload, and user needs, and integrate our JAUS-compliant navigation and operator control software to enable the CBE package to be effectively used. As part of this work, we will assess UGV-specific and standalone manipulator arms against CBE and more general task requirements. Based on the results, we will procure or develop an appropriate arm and integrate it as a modular payload on the selected UGV platform. On this project, Applied Perception was able to leverage previous internal and external work in small robot development as well as our library of JAUS-compliant navigation technologies to provide a low risk, low cost solution to our customer. In addition, our past work on modular, standardized electro-mechanical payload interfaces will enable us to create a suite of payloads – CBE, IED/EOD, tactical, etc. – that can be used across many other robot platforms. For example, the CBE payload developed on this project will be useable on our TARDEC Skunk Works program because of common software and electrical interfaces.
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 RBI Prototype Vehicle: The RBI prototype vehicle was based on the Remotec Andros Wolverine. It used its manipulator arm and gripper to position the detector head near agents to be analyzed.
 RBI Prototype Detector Head: The detector head not only contains the optics required to enable the Ramen assessment process, but all a fine position mechanism to place the optics very précising (< 2cm) to the agent to be analyzed.
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