DON26BZ01-NV031 — Tele-Operated/Autonomous Mechatronic Vehicle Kits for Use In Mixed Disaster Environments
Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I
OBJECTIVE: Create a mechatronic kit (roughly 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, 3 feet high, and weighing 220 pounds) with parts that can be easily swapped and reconfigured – including motors, sensors, and software – so that small teams can quickly build and change the mechatronic system in the field to handle many different tasks.
DESCRIPTION: First responder teams are small and have many tasks. Mechatronic solutions could help, but current solutions suffer from key shortfalls: They are an overly special purpose, limited in broad utility; They lack common architecture, and cannot be repurposed or decomposed/recomposed for easy transport and repair; They cannot be physically combined for additional power, speed or endurance; Many key prime mover components are not manufactured in the United States.
This topic aims to create mechatronic prototypes that first responders can build in the field from basic parts (like frames, motors, computers, and controls). These mechatronic systems will be easy to customize for different needs. Preconfigured applications could include: Simple logistics support (e.g., carrying, loading, unloading); Intermediate applications (e.g., inspection, search and recovery); Advanced capabilities (e.g., waterproof, fire resistant, cold tolerant).
This topic aims to develop an open-ended physical architecture like an "Erector Set" with potential for endless variation.
PHASE I: Identify and design a prime mover configuration (such as electric brushless DC hub motors with Electronic Speed Control (ESC)) suitable for powering a variety of mechatronic systems with the following characteristics: Rapid installation and removal; "Stackable" or arrangeable for higher power applications; Adaptable to track drives, direct wheel drives, gear trains, power take-offs (PTOs), propulsion shafts or other motive configurations; Domestically manufactured. Define and develop a suitable standard, material and configuration for structural purposes with the following characteristics: Wide discretion in final configuration; Ease of assembly/disassembly; Folds, collapses or breaks down into minimal space; Able to host sensors and/or payloads. Prototype desired.
PHASE II: Develop a prototype kit that resembles an erector set with multiple options for field construction of useful small mechatronic systems for logistics, security, surveillance and force projection at remote installations by small groups of first responders. Develop prototype configurable U/Is that controls mechatronic vehicles/devices and allow for easy customizability by the first responders. Threshold: deliver 10 kits; objective: deliver 32 kits.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Product has utility to a wider group of users including: Joint users, law enforcement, security forces, homeland security and other users with similar mission sets; The development of an industry-recognized construction standard for small and mid-sized customized mechatronic systems; STEM, academic research activities, hobbyists and industrial partners who are transitioning from sub-scale to intermediate mechatronic systems.
KEYWORDS: Mechatronic; Automation; Robotics; Modularity; Flexible; Configurable