May 24, 2010
Posted by admin in Articles
The first fully programmable and digitally operated robot was used in 1961, and today there are nearly a million robots in use worldwide (International Federation of Robotics). Robots are no longer science fiction; they are now a part of our daily lives. Robots are used domestically as well as in manufacturing, education, the military, and medicine. Robots can build your car, clean your house, and now, even take your pulse.
Robots have been assisting in the surgery ward for some time, but the latest advances in robotics have led to the development of a special robot that may be roaming the hallways of a hospital near you. These robots are using “remote presence” technology. Remote presence is the ability—using the power of robotics, telecommunications and the internet—to “project” someone from one place to another, and allow them to interact as if they were there. This technology is particularly valuable in the healthcare industry because there are simply not enough doctors and nurses to go around, especially in small or remote hospitals where there may not be a specialist readily available. Remote presence can project a neurologist in Boston to a patient’s bedside in San Diego.
InTouch Technologies is a California-based robotics company paving the way with their RP-7 robot. The RP-7 is equipped with advanced audio and visual equipment to allow for two-way communication; that is, both parties can see and hear one another in real-time. The RP-7 is quite dexterous and the doctor can control the robot’s cameras and sensors remotely to “examine” the patient. Laptops, printers, cameras, digital stethoscopes or other equipment can all be attached to the RP-7. It also stores and transmits information like electronic medical records, echocardiogram images, EKG’s, ultrasounds, and more.
Rather than performing automated tasks in place of a human, the RP-7 is a vehicle for communication between humans. EDGAR.—Educated Doctor Guiding Assisting Robot—has been a robotic resident at Grande Ronde Hospital in Oregon since 2007. The staff there has fully embraced the remote-presence technology. EDGAR has transmitted the virtual presence of specialists from thousands of miles away. In the maternity ward, images of newborns are transmitted via EDGAR to determine whether or not they need to be transferred to a different hospital. EDGAR doesn’t just connect doctors to patients, he can pull up a patient’s electronic medical record and allow doctors and staff to consult with one another about diagnosis and treatment.
InTouch’s revolutionary robot is used in intensive care units, emergency rooms, and patient wards nationwide. Notable medical facilities using remote-presence robots include: UCLA, Johns Hopkins, the Trinity Healthcare System, Sutter Health Care System, the Detroit Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center.
What once seemed like fantasy is now a reality as technology in robotics is advancing at an incredible rate. The International Federation of Robotics states that forty thousand robots were employed in service fields at the end of 2006 ranging from medical to military, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2010. In some cases, robots can be used to replace human beings, but technologies are also being developed to create robots that augment our natural abilities and expedite and enhance the sharing of information. The remote presence robot RP-7 is one such example.
Helen Walker. e-MDs is a leading developer of medical management software solutions. e-MDs Solution Series is the standard for affordable and integrated EHR, EMR, and practice management software.
Want to Extend Your Lifespan?
May 18, 2010
Posted by admin in Articles
Your doctor may soon be a robot, or so the whispers warn. Sound like something out of a bad science-fiction movie? Well, maybe you should ask whichever physician shows up on-screen of the RP-7 Remote Presence Robotic System by InTouch Technologies, a maneuverable robotic system designed to allow physicians to videoconference with their patients from remote locations.
Dr. Alex Gandsas, of Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital and holder of stock options with InTouch Technologies, introduced the machine to hospital administrators as a way to closely monitor patients after the weight loss surgeries in which he specializes. Since its introduction, the length of his patients’ stays has been shorter. In Gandsas’ study published earlier this month in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 92 of 376 patients had additional robotic visits, and all 92 of them were medically cleared to return home faster than those who did not receive check-ins with the teleconferencing system. Shorter patient stays would be a welcome change for hospitals, health insurance companies, and patients alike — all of which have a vested interested in sending patients home faster.
While further studies should, without a doubt, be performed by physicians who do not hold a financial interest in the technology, these preliminary results do show promise. The robotic visits were not used by Gandsas to replace his personal check-ins with patients — only to add to them. Neither InTouch Technologies, nor Dr. Gandsas envisions the “Bari” or so it’s nicknamed, as completely replacing personal visits with healthcare professionals. Instead, the joystick-controlled system, which employs cameras, a video screen, and microphone, is intended to supplement physicians’ traditional visits, and to allow patients and healthcare workers to receive advice from qualified physicians and specialists when it may otherwise be impossible. Doctors may soon be able to provide their patients with additional daily check-ins and answer questions much faster, all while sitting in their own homes or while away from the area.
Sinai Hospital isn’t the only one with this technology, however. In fact, robots have been in use for some time to assist with patient care, including guiding stroke patients through therapy, and helping them play video games. Many prosthetic devices are now at least partially robotic, and if it weren’t for a certain amount of robotic technology, the public would not be able to communicate with such great minds as Steven Hawkins.
Johns Hopkins also has a robotic teleconferencing system to help communicate with patients who need a translator when one is not available at the hospital itself. Use of such technology could have tremendously positive effects on Texas’ healthcare system — particularly in Dallas, Houston, and Austin — which handles a high volume of patients who do not speak English. Lack of adequate communication is a major obstacle to receiving quality healthcare for many immigrants in Texas. Lack of quality healthcare, in turn, can lead to serious public health issues, including the transmission of communicable diseases.
Approximately 120 RP-7 Remote Presence Robotic Systems are currently in use around the world, with plans to implement many more in the coming years. China is already using similar systems to help deal with the lack of medical care in rural, inaccessible areas.
Dr. Louis Kavoussi, chairman of the urology department at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, took a special interest in this new trend and conducted a study monitoring the effect of the technology on patient care. The study showed no decrease in patient satisfaction, and no increase in complications due to teleconferencing visits. The technology, Kavoussi said, is rudimentary, really, in comparison to other developing systems. The need for fear is minimal.
There are relatively few of InTouch Technologies systems available, and further studies have yet to be conducted. If robotic teleconferencing is used as a supplement to personal physicians’ visits, however, it has the potential of dramatically improving many aspects of healthcare — from how quickly patients’ questions are answered, to how many visits, in total, they receive, to whether or not rural residents receive proper care, to how well (or even if) they are provided with a translator to explain their symptoms. States like Texas, in particular, with shortages of doctors and high volumes of patients who do not speak English, stand to benefit. So maybe robots in hospitals aren’t something one needs to fear. In fact, they may even get your unpleasant stay over with a few days faster.
Being aware of medical technology is an important part of taking care of your health. How you take care of yourself will certainly affect you as you age, and eventually your wallet, as well.
Pat Carpenter writes for Precedent Insurance Company. Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at Precedent.com
Want to Extend Your Lifespan?
May 6, 2010
Posted by admin in Articles
LEXINGTON, Massachusetts (January 22, 2010) Announces that it has a new study on Military Ground Robots and unmanned vehicles. The 2010 study has 513 pages, 190 tables and figures. Worldwide markets are poised to achieve significant growth as the military ground robots and unmanned vehicles are used globally. Growth comes as the nature of combat changes in every region while the globally integrated enterprise replaces nationalistic dominance.
Military robot automation of the defense process is the next wave of military evolution. As automated systems and networking complement the Internet , communication is facilitated on a global basis. The military charter is shifting to providing protection against terrorists and people seek to maintain a safe, mobile, independent lifestyle. Much of the military mission is moving to adopt a police force training mission, seeking to achieve protection of civilian populations on a worldwide basis.
According to Susan Eustis, the lead author of the study, ¡°the purchase of Military Robots s is dependent on budget constraints. The use of Military Robots s is based on providing a robot that is less expensive to put in the field than a trained soldier. That automation of process has appeal to those who run the military.
Robots are automating military ground systems, permitting vital protection of soldiers and people in the field, creating the possibility of reduced fatalities. Mobile robotics operate independently of the operator.
The innovation coming from all the vendors is astounding. No one innovation is more significant than another. One vendor, BAE Systems has an ant size robot useful for reconnaissance and networking robots in development. As soldiers take up secure positions behind a wall, they deploy a small reconnaissance team. The initial deployment is poised to be a very, very small reconnaissance team. Some hopping, some flying, the stealthy autonomous reconnaissance squad vanishes into a suspicious building for several minutes, then relays the all-clear back to its partners outside when that is the case.
What is good for a robotic unmanned ground vehicle is also good for an ummanned vehicle. Multiple technological, logistical, political and market forces share a quantum singularity that has brought mobile robotics to the point where robots are useful to every arm of the military services. This is a phenomenon that will have a major impact on the way we run the military and police societies.
Use of remote-control toys in Iraq started as improvised robots to check out possible roadside bombs. There has since been a flurry of activity on the robotic explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) front since that early beginning. Deliveries of smaller and cheaper Bots are anticipated.
The emergence of a market for intelligent, mobile robots for use in the field and the confined areas of city fighting presents many opportunities. Units used in public spaces and on the battlefield create a better, more flexible, more cost efficient military.
Technology is used to actuate the disparate robot types. Core robotics research and advances in robotic technology can be applied across a variety of robotic form factors and robotic functionality. Advances feed on and off of each other. With each new round of innovation, a type of technological cross pollination occurs that improves existing robotic platforms and opens up other avenues where intelligent mobile robots can be employed, effectively creating new markets.
Roboticists are more advanced in their training and in the tools available to create units. Military robots have evolved from units used in the field to manage different situations that arise. Robots save lives..
Defense security systems have an emphasis on causality reduction during combat. This has resulted in investment in robotics technology that is useful. Robotic research is on the fast track for government spending. Congress passed a law making it an Army goal that by 2015, one©\third of the operational ground combat vehicles are unmanned. The US Navy and Marines have similar initiatives underway.
Military ground robot market forecast analysis indicates that vendor strategy is to pursue developing new applications that leverage leading edge technology. Robot solutions are achieved by leveraging the ability to innovate, to bring products to market quickly. Military purchasing authorities seek to reduce costs through design and outsourcing. Vendor capabilities depend on the ability to commercialize the results of research in order to fund further research. Government funded research is evolving some more ground robot capability.
Markets at $831 million in 2009 are anticipated to reach $9.7 billion by 2016.
Report Methodology
This is the 428th report in a series of primary market research reports that provide forecasts in communications, telecommunications, the Internet, computer, software, telephone equipment, health equipment, and energy. Automated process and significant growth potential are a priorities in topic selection. The project leaders take direct responsibility for writing and preparing each report. They have significant experience preparing industry studies. Forecasts are based on primary research and proprietary data bases.
The primary research is conducted by talking to customers, distributors and companies. The survey data is not enough to make accurate assessment of market size, so it looks at the value of shipments and the average price to achieve market assessments. Our track record in achieving accuracy is unsurpassed in the industry. We are known for being able to develop accurate market shares and projections. This is our specialty.
The analyst process is concentrated on getting good market numbers. This process involves looking at the markets from several different perspectives, including vendor shipments. The interview process is an essential aspect as well. We do have a lot of granular analysis of the different shipments by vendor in the study and addenda prepared after the study was published if that is appropriate.
Forecasts reflect analysis of the market trends in the segment and related segments. Unit and dollar shipments are analyzed through consideration of dollar volume of each market participant in the segment. Installed base analysis and unit analysis is based on interviews and an information search. Market share analysis includes conversations with key customers of products, industry segment leaders, marketing directors, distributors, leading market participants, opinion leaders, and companies seeking to develop measurable market share.
Over 200 in depth interviews are conducted for each report with a broad range of key participants and industry leaders in the market segment. We establish accurate market forecasts based on economic and market conditions as a base. Use input/output ratios, flow charts, and other economic methods to quantify data. Use in-house analysts who meet stringent quality standards. Interviewing key industry participants, experts and end-users is a central part of the study. Our research includes access to large proprietary databases. Literature search includes analysis of trade publications, government reports, and corporate literature.
Findings and conclusions of this report are based on information gathered from industry sources, including manufacturers, distributors, partners, opinion leaders, and users. Interview data was combined with information gathered through an extensive review of internet and printed sources such as trade publications, trade associations, company literature, and online databases. The projections contained in this report are checked from top down and bottom up analysis to be sure there is congruence from that perspective.
The base year for analysis and projection is 2009. With 2009 and several years prior to that as a baseline, market projections were developed for 2010 through 2016. These projections are based on a combination of a consensus among the opinion leader contacts interviewed combined with understanding of the key market drivers and their impact from a historical and analytical perspective. The analytical methodologies used to generate the market estimates are based on penetration analyses, similar market analyses, and delta calculations to supplement independent and dependent variable analysis. All analyses are displaying selected descriptions of products and services.
This research includes referencde to an ROI model that is part of a series that provides IT systems financial planners access to information that supports analysis of all the numbers that impact management of a product launch or large and complex data center. The methodology used in the models relates to having a sophisticated analytical technique for understanding the impact of workload on processor consumption and cost.
It has looked at the metrics and independent research to develop assumptions that reflect the actual anticipated usage and cost of systems. Comparative analyses reflect the input of these values into models.
The variables and assumptions provided in the market research study and the ROI models are based on extensive experience in providing research to large enterprise organizations and data centers. The ROI models have lists of servers from different manufacturers, Systems z models from IBM, and labor costs by category around the world. This information has been developed from research proprietary data bases constructed as a result of preparing market research studies that address the software, energy, healthcare, telecommunicatons, and hardware businesses.
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Table of Contents :
MILITARY GROUND ROBOT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-1
Military Ground Robot Market Driving Forces ES-1
Future Combat System (FCS) Program Transitions to
Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization ES-2
Robots Operate Independently ES-2
Military Robots Market Driving Forces 5
Military Ground Robot Market Shares ES-6
BAE Systems Ant Size Robot ES-7
Military Ground Robot Market Forecasts ES-8
1. MILITARY ROBOTS MARKET DESCRIPTION AND MARKET DYNAMICS 1-1
1.1 Delivering Robotic Capabilities to Combat Teams 1-1
1.2 Military Robot Scope 1-2
1.2.1 Military Robot Applications 1-3
1.3 Army’s G8 Futures office 1-6
1.3.1 Delivering Capabilities to the Army’s Brigade Combat Teams 1-8
1.3.2 Transition Between The Current Market And
Where The Market Is Going 1-9
1.3.3 Different Sizes of UGVs 1-10
1.4 Types of Military Robots 1-12
1.4.1 Telerob Explosive Observation Robot and Ordnance Disposal 1-12
1.4.2 QinetiQ North America Talon® Robots
Universal Disrupter Mount 1-15
1.4.3 General Dynamics Next-Generation
CROWS II Increases Soldiers Safety 1-17
1.4.4 Soldier Unmanned Ground Vehicle from iRobot 1-18
1.5 UGV Enabling Technologies 1-19
1.5.1 Sensor Processing 1-20
1.5.2 Machine Autonomy 1-21
1.6 Military Robot Bandwidth 1-22
1.6.1 UGV Follow-Me Capability 1-22
1.6.2 Communications Bandwidth 1-23
1.6.3 Battery Power 1-23
1.6.4 Combination Of Batteries Linked To
Onboard Conventional Diesel 1-24
1.7 SUGVs 1-25
1.7.1 Mid-Size Category UGV 1-25
1.7.2 Large UGV 1-26
1.7.3 U.S. Army Ground Combat Vehicle 1-27
1.7.4 TARDEC 1-28
1.7.5 Tacom 1-29
2. MILITARY GROUND ROBOT MARKET SHARES AND FORECASTS 2-1
2.1 Military Ground Robot Market Driving Forces 2-1
2.1.1 Future Combat System (FCS) Program Transitions to
Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization 2-2
2.1.2 Robots Operate Independently 2-2
2.1.3 Military Robots Market Driving Forces 2-5
2.2 Military Ground Robot Market Shares 2-6
2.2.1 General Dynamics Robotic Systems 2-9
2.2.2 Northrop Grumman Remotec Andros 2-10
2.2.3 Northrop Grumman / Remotec 2-10
2.2.4 Northrop Grumman Remotec UK Wheelbarrow Robots 2-12
2.2.5 iRobot Government & Industrial Robots 2-12
2.2.6 QinetiQ / Foster-Miller 2-15
2.2.7 Qinetiq / Foster-Miller TALON EOD robots 2-16
2.2.8 NAVEODTECHDIV Funds QinetiQ
Foster-Miller Talon Robots 2-17
2.2.9 Foster-Miller TALON Responder and EOD 2-17
2.2.10 Kongsberg CrowsII Military Robot System 2-18
2.2.11 BAE Systems Ant Size Robot 2-19
2.2.12 Telerob Rapid Response Vehicle 2-20
2.2.13 Boston Dynamics 2-21
2.2.14 Robotic Technology Robot 2-21
2.3 Military and First Responder Robot Market Shares 2-23
2.4 Military Ground Robot Market Forecasts 2-27
2.4.1 Mid Range Military Robot Market Forecasts 2-29
2.4.2 High End Military Robots 2-33
2.4.3 Mid Range Unmanned Vehicle UVV Market Forecasts 2-35
2.4.4 High End Unmanned Vehicle UVV Market Forecasts 2-38
2.4.5 SUGVs 2-40
2.4.6 Small Military Robots Used In Networks 2-42
2.4.7 Remotely Controlled Armed Robots Deployed In Iraq 2-45
2.4.8 Robots For Defense And Homeland Security 2-46
2.4.9 U.S. Army Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) 2-47
2.4.10 Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency, or DARPA Tactical Teams 2-47
2.4.11 Application Scope 2-48
2.4.12 U.S. Military Robots Key to Iraq Surge Success 2-48
2.5 Military Robot Regional Market Analysis 2-50
2.5.1 iRobot Geographic Information 2-52
3. MILITARY ROBOTS PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 3-1
3.1 iRobot 3-1
3.1.1 iRobot® PackBot® 510 with EOD Kit 3-2
3.1.2 iRobot® PackBot® 510 with First Responder Kit 3-3
3.1.3 iRobot® Warrior™ 700 3-4
3.1.4 iRobot® PackBot® 500 with RedOwl Sniper
Detection Kit 3-5
3.1.5 iRobot® PackBot® 510 with FasTac Kit 3-8
3.1.6 iRobot® PackBot® 500 with ICx Fido®
Explosives Detection Kit 3-8
3.1.7 iRobot® PackBot® 510 with HAZMAT Detection Kit 3-10
3.1.8 iRobot® SeaGlider 3-11
iRobot® SeaGlider 3-11
3.1.9 iRobot® Ranger 3-12
iRobot® Ranger 3-12
3.1.10 iRobot Aware 2.0 Robot Intelligence Software 3-13
3.2 Northrop Grumman 3-14
3.2.1 Andros HD-1 : Compact, Lightweight Platform 3-14
3.2.2 Northrop Grumman Vehicle Data / Communication Links 3-17
3.2.3 Northrop Grumman F6A – Versatile Platform 3-17
3.2.4 Northrop Grumman Vehicle Data / Communication Links 3-20
3.2.5 Northrop Grumman Mark V-A1 – Highly
Versatile, Robust, All-Terrain Platform 3-20
3.2.6 Northrop Grumman V-A1 Features 3-22
3.2.7 Northrop Grumman Vehicle Data / Communication Links 3-23
3.2.8 Northrop Grumman Mini-ANDROS II – Compact,
Capable, Two-Man-Portable Platform 3-23
3.2.9 Northrop Grumman Mini Andros II Features 3-25
3.2.10 Northrop Grumman Vehicle Data / Communication Links 3-26
3.2.11 Northrop Grumman Wolverine – Outdoor,
All-Terrain Workhorse 3-26
3.2.12 Northrop Grumman Wolverine 3-28
3.2.13 Northrop Grumman Vehicle Data / Communication Links 3-29
3.3 General Dynamics 3-30
3.3.1 General Dynamics Next-Generation CROWS II
Increases Soldiers Safety 3-31
3.4 Kongsberg 3-33
3.4.1 Kongsberg CrowsII Military Robot System 3-33
3.4.2 Kongsberg Addresses Underwater Diver Incursion 3-34
3.4.3 Kongsberg Norwegian Mine Reconnaissance Program 3-34
3.5 BAE Systems 3-36
3.5.1 BAE Systems Ant Size Robot 3-36
3.5.2 BAE Personal Robots 3-38
3.5.3 BAE Systems Large UGV 3-39
3.6 Lockheed Martin 3-39
3.6.1 Lockheed Martin Multifunction Utility/
Logistics and Equipment Vehicle (MULE) 3-40
3.6.2 Lockheed Martin Large NUWC Manta UUV 3-42
3.6.3 Lockheed Martin Large NUWC Manta UUV
For The Offshore Oil Industry 3-44
3.6.4 Lockheed Martin AN/WLD-1 Remote
Minehunting System (RMS) 3-44
3.7 QinetiQ North America TALON® Robots 3-48
3.7.1 QinetiQ North America Talon® Robots
Universal Disrupter Mount 3-50
3.7.2 Qinetiq / Foster-Miller 3-52
3.7.3 Foster-Miller TALON Family of Military Robots 3-53
3.7.4 Foster-Miller New: Two-Way Hailer 3-54
3.7.5 Foster-Miller TALON Responder 3-54
3.7.6 Foster-Miller EOD Robots 3-56
3.7.7 Foster-Miller SWORDS Robots 3-58
3.7.8 Foster-Miller CBRNE/Hazmat Robots 3-60
3.7.9 Foster-Miller TALON SWAT/MP 3-61
3.7.10 Foster-Miller MAARS Robot 3-62
3.7.11 Foster-Miller Dragon Runner Field Transformable SUGV 3-64
3.7.12 Foster Miller TALON GEN IV Engineer 3-65
3.7.13 Foster Miller TAGS-CX Unmanned Vehicle 3-66
3.7.14 QinetiQ TAGS-CX Unmanned Vehicle 3-67
3.7.15 Combat Engineer Route Clearance Robot 3-70
3.7.16 Talon MAARS™ Robots 3-75
3.8 Telerob 3-78
3.8.1 Telerob – EOD / IEDD Equipment, EOD
Robots and Vehicles 3-78
3.8.2 Telerob TEODor Heavy Duty Explosive
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robot 3-80
3.8.3 Telerob Telemax High-Mobility EOD Robot 3-81
3.8.4 Telerob EOD / IEDD Service Vehicles 3-81
3.9 Versa / Allen Vanguard 3-86
3.9.1 Allen Vanguard VANGUARD® ROV 3-88
3.9.2 Allen Vanguard Defender Robot/ROV 3-97
3.9.3 Allen Vanguard ROV-Track CBRNE 3-102
3.10 Boston Dynamics 3-106
3.10.1 Boston Dynamic LittleDog – The Legged Locomotion
Learning Robot 3-107
3.10.2 Boston Dynamic PETMAN – BigDog gets a Big Brother 3-109
3.10.3 Boston Dynamic RHex Devours Rough Terrain 3-110
3.10.4 Boston Dynamic RiSE: Climbing Robot 3-112
3.11 Robotic Technology 3-115
3.11.1 RTI Military Memetics (Information Propagation,
Impact, and Persistence ¨C Info PIP) Project 3-116
3.11.2 RTI Humanoid And Legged Robots 3-116
3.12 Fujitsu Service Robot (enon) 3-118
3.13 Gostai SOS 3-119
3.14 Kairos Autonomi 3-121
3.15 Scripps Bluefin Robotics Spray glider UUV 3-122
3.15.1 Scripps Bluefin Robotics Spray Glider
Sensors, Navigation, and Communications 3-123
3.16 Boeing¡¯s AN/BLQ-11 Long-term Mine
Reconnaissance System (LMRS), 3-129
3.17 Boeing Advanced Information Systems 3-133
3.18 Sonatech 3-135
3.19 BAE Systems Underwater Systems 3-135
3.20 Gunsmith Jerry Baber 3-136
3.21 IVTT Program Intelligent Vehicle
Robot Hops Over Walls 3-137
3.21.1 Robotic Technology Precision Urban Hopper 3-139
3.21.2 Robotic Technology Robot 3-139
4. MILITARY ROBOT TECHNOLOGY 4-1
4.1 Military Robot Enabling Technology 4-1
4.2 Intel Integrated Circuit Evidence-Based Innovation 4-3
4.2.1 Open Robotic Control Software 4-5
4.2.2 Military Robot Key Technology 4-6
4.2.3 PC-Bots 4-10
Visual Simultaneous Localization & Mapping 4-10
4.3 Advanced Robot Technology: Navigation, Mobility,
And Manipulation 4-11
4.3.1 Robot Intelligence Systems 4-11
4.3.2 Real-World, Dynamic Sensing 4-12
4.4 User-Friendly Interfaces 4-12
4.4.1 Tightly-Integrated, Electromechanical Robot Design 4-13
4.5 Field Based Robotics Iterative Development 4-14
4.5.1 Next-Generation Products Leverage Model 4-15
4.5.2 Modular Robot Structure And Control 4-15
4.5.3 Lattice Architectures 4-16
4.5.4 Chain / Tree Architectures 4-16
4.5.5 Deterministic Reconfiguration 4-16
4.5.6 Stochastic Reconfiguration 4-17
4.5.7 Modular Robotic Systems 4-17
4.6 Intel Military Robot Cultivating Collaborations 4-18
4.7 Hitachi Configuration Of Robots Using The SuperH Family 4-18
Hitachi Concept of MMU And Logic Space 4-19
Robotic Use of Thin Film Lithium-Ion Batteries 4-23
4.8 Network Of Robots And Sensors 4-24
4.8.1 Sensor Networks Part Of Research Agenda 4-25
4.8.2 Light Sensing 4-26
4.8.3 Acceleration Sensing 4-27
4.8.4 Chemical Sensing 4-27
4.9 Military Robot Technology Functions 4-27
4.10 Carbon Nanotube Radio 4-28
4.11 Military Robot Funded Programs 4-30
4.11.1 Future Combat System (FCS) Program
Transitions to Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization 4-30
4.11.2 XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) 4-32
4.11.3 UUV Sub-Pillars 4-33
4.11.4 Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HAUV) 4-36
4.11.5 Alliant 4-36
4.11.6 ATSP is a Government-Wide Contracting Vehicle 4-38
4.11.7 Quick, efficient contracting vehicle 4-38
4.11.8 Facilitates Technology And Insertion Into Fielded Systems 4-38
4.11.9 Access to all Northrop Grumman sectors 4-39
4.12 iRobot Technology 4-39
4.12.1 iRobot AWARE Robot Intelligence Systems 4-39
4.12.2 iRobot Real-World, Dynamic Sensing. 4-40
4.12.3 iRobot User-Friendly Interface 4-40
4.12.4 iRobot Tightly-Integrated Electromechanical Design. 4-41
4.13 Evolution Robotics Technology Solutions 4-42
Evolution Robotics Example Applications 4-44
4.14 NASA Exploratory Robots 4-45
4.14.1 NASA Spirit Robot 4-46
4.14.2 NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Spirit 4-48
Sample NASA Sprit Sol-By-Sol Summary: 4-50
4.14.3 Opportunity Update 4-51
4.14.4 NASA Opportunity Sol-By-Sol Summary 4-52
4.14.5 NASA Opportunity Robot 4-54
4.15 Remote Controlled Robot Missions 4-55
4.15.1 Auto-Navigation System Takes Pictures
Of The Nearby Terrain 4-59
4.15.2 Mars Robotic Rovers Spirit And Opportunity 4-61
4.16 Self-Reproducing Machines 4-62
4.16.1 M-TRAN Modular Transformer 4-62
4.16.2 Attitude Control In Space By Control Moment Gyros 4-63
5. MILITARY ROBOT COMPANY PROFILES 5-1
5.1 American Reliance Inc. (AMREL) 5-1
5.1.1 Amrel Field Expedient Robot Controls Interoperability 5-2
5.1.2 Amrel Small-Footprint, Highly Integrated,
Rugged Mobile Computing Solutions 5-2
5.2 BAE Systems 5-2
5.2.1 BAE Systems Ant Size Robot 5-3
5.2.2 BAE Personal Robots 5-5
5.2.3 BAE Systems Large UGV 5-5
5.3 Boston Dynamics 5-5
5.4 Doosan Infracore / Bobcat Company 5-6
5.5 General Dynamics 5-7
5.5.1 General Dynamics Combat Autonomous Mobility
System (CAMS) 5-7
5.5.2 General Dynamics $60 Million Contract by U.S.
Air Force for Mission Operations Support 5-8
5.5.3 General Dynamics Revenue 5-9
5.5.4 General Dynamics Business Group Revenue 5-10
5.5.5 General Dynamics Combat Systems Awards 5-13
5.5.6 General Dynamics Land Systems $24
Million Contract To Supply Commanders Remote
Operated Weapons 5-13
5.5.7 General Dynamics Canadian Government¡¯s
LAV III Upgrade Program 14
5.5.8 General Dynamics U.S. Military Vehicle Business 5-15
5.6 Gostai 5-16
5.7 iRobot 5-16
5.7.1 iRobot Home Robots 5-17
5.7.2 iRobot Government and Industrial Robots 5-17
5.7.3 iRobot Locations 5-17
5.7.4 iRobot Military Programs 5-17
5.7.5 iRobot Revenue 5-19
5.7.6 iRobot Geographic Information 5-25
5.7.7 iRobot Significant Customers 5-25
5.7.8 iRobot Description 5-25
5.7.9 iRobot Industry Segment, Geographic Information
and Significant Customers 5-27
5.7.10 iRobot Home Robots 5-27
5.7.11 iRobot Government and Industrial 5-27
5.7.12 iRobot Geographic Information 5-32
5.7.13 iRobot Home Robot Division Revenue And Units Shipped 5-33
5.7.14 iRobot Government And Industrial Division 5-34
5.7.15 iRobot Strategy 5-36
5.7.16 iRobot Government and Industrial Products 5-38
5.7.17 iRobot Home Robots 5-42
5.7.18 iRobot Government & Industrial Robots 5-42
5.7.19 iRobot Partners and Strategic Alliance 5-43
5.7.20 iRobot / Boeing Company 5-43
5.7.21 iRobot / Advanced Scientific Concepts 5-43
5.7.22 iRobot / TASER International, 5-44
5.8 Kongsberg 5-44
5.8.1 Increased Scope of Kongsberg CROWS II
Framework Agreement 5-45
5.8.2 Kongsberg Ownership 5-45
5.8.3 Kongsberg Manufacturing locations 5-46
5.8.4 Kongsberg Operations Revenue 5-47
5.8.5 Kongsberg Employees 5-47
5.9 Lockheed Martin 5-48
5.9.1 Lockheed Martin Defense Department Positioning 5-49
5.10 Northrop Grumman 5-53
5.10.1 Northrop Grumman Remotec Robots 5-54
5.11 Qinetiq / Foster-Miller 5-55
5.11.1 QinetiQ UK MOD and the US DoD provide target markets 5-56
5.11.2 QinetiQ Revenue 2005-2009 5-58
5.11.3 QinetiQ North America 5-61
5.11.4 QinetiQ Revenue 5-64
5.11.5 QinetiQ UK 5-66
5.11.6 QinetiQ North America 5-66
5.11.7 QinetiQ Autonomy and Robotics 5-67
5.11.8 QinetiQ Group Revenues 5-68
5.11.9 QinetiQ Business Review Governance 5-70
5.11.10 QinetiQ Revenue By Customer 5-71
5.11.11 QinetiQ North America 5-73
5.12 QinetiQ North America / Foster-Miller 5-75
5.12.1 QinetiQ North America / Foster-Miller 5-77
5.12.2 QinetiQ Common Robotic Controller (CRC) 5-77
5.12.3 QinetiQ North America World-Class Technology 5-78
5.12.4 QinetiQ North America Technology Solutions Group 5-79
5.13 Robotic Technology Inc. 5-79
5.13.1 RTI Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot (EATR) Project 5-80
5.13.2 RTI Intelligent Vehicle Technology Transfer (IVTT) Program 5-81
5.13.3 Robotic Technology Precision Urban Hopper 5-84
5.13.4 Robotic Technology Robot 5-85
5.14 Telerob 5-85
5.14.1 Telerob – EOD / IEDD Equipment,
EOD Robots and Vehicles 5-86
5.14.2 TEODor Heavy Duty Explosive
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robot 5-87
5.14.3 Telerob Telemax High-Mobility EOD Robot 5-88
5.14.4 Telerob EOD / IEDD service vehicles 5-88
5.14.5 Telerob¡¯s Electrical Force-Reflecting-Manipulators (FRMs) 5-91
5.14.6 American Crane and Equipment Corp
and Telerob Partnership 5-92
5.15 Versa / Allen-Vanguard 5-93
5.15.1 Allen Vanguard Trading Suspended on Stock 5-94
5.15.2 Allen Vanguard HAL® EOD/IEDD/
Search Tasks Hook and Line System 5-96
5.15.3 Versa / Allen Vanguard Equinox I 5-99
5.15.4 Versa / Allen Vanguard Field Test Set 5-100
5.15.5 Allen-Vanguard Revenue 5-100
5.16 VIA Technologies 5-103
5.16.1 VIA Technologies Complete Platform Provider 5-104
5.16.2 VIA Technologies Market Leadership 5-104
5.16.3 VIA Technologies Global Operations 5-105
5.16.4 VIA Technologies Meeting the Market Challenge 5-106
5.16.5 VIA Technologies Dynamic Fabless Business Model 5-107
5.17 Selected Manufacturers of Military Robots 5-107
5.18 Government Agencies and Other Organisations
Using Military Robots 5-111
5.18.1 RTI Intelligent Vehicle Technology Transfer (IVTT) Program 5-114
For More information please contact :
http://www.aarkstore.com/reports/Military-Robots-and-Unmanned-Vehicles-Market-Shares-Strategies-and-Forecasts-Worldwide-2010-to-2016-37934.html
Want to Extend Your Lifespan?
Mar 30, 2010
Posted by admin in Articles
Imagine a world where you have a faithful aide by your side that can assist you with just about anything from moping up the floors, washing the dishes, patrolling your house, providing elder care to being you best buddy by being ready to help whenever you need it. It seems that after the dog, robots are going to be man’s most faithful friend.
We seem to have come far from the times when robots or mechanical servants were only heard of in ancient mythologies, such as the robots built by the Greek god Hephaestus to the age of patient aid and assistive devices. While, modern robotics has come a long way, there was a lot of buzz recently about the “uBOT-5” – the robot, supposed to be an awesome robotic assistant for the elderly in future.
The State-of-the-art Robotics
And it’s not without a reason because computer science researchers are well set on their path to endow these “mechanical servants” with never seen capabilities. For instance the uBOT-5 would not only be able them to assist the elderly but Robot UBot-5 would also act to help them, e.g. dialing 911 in case of emergencies. Or they could send out reminders to patients when its time for their medication. To top it all, they could even help them with grocery shopping in addition to allow them to talk to their friends ‘n’ family including healthcare providers.
However, this is only one side of the story, because when a patient’s friends, family or medics need to talk to their loved ones – they too can initiate a conversation via the assistant. For instance, a concerned family member who wants to know about whether their elderly relative is ok or not? They can establish a link with any Internet connection, or better still navigate around the house to look for mom or dad. This can be especially useful if a patient needs help and is unable to take the call.
At the same time, while the technology may have advanced, cost concerns still seem to persist for these patient aids. For instance, at present the prototypes at University of Massachusetts Amherst cost close to $65,000 for a unit. However, experts believe that with commercialization the robots may cost about $5,000. That’s less, but lesser still would be be better.
Till the time that happens, perhaps cutting edge enhancements to the already existing patient aid equipments aren’t bad either – as some interesting gadgets came to life at this year’s Assistive Technology Exposition of the Saint Francis University’s CERMUSA – including retina-steered wheelchairs, digitized and synthesized speech-generating devices and pressure sensing prosthetic limbs that could fill up a glass or water or wine!
Fred is a journalist with 7 years of experience. Though, as a professional He’s reported on myriad topics, his favorite is the medical industry. Off late he’s been working on different web portals including Themedica.com. Themedica is a comprehensive business-to-business (b2b) information portal and directory, featuring useful information for medical and health care industry professionals and businesses. It showcases resources such as trade shows, industry overviews, trade associations, global business listings, industry news, tenders, medical publications, informative articles and more that help professionals/businesses stay abreast with the latest and grow. He now blogs at Smiling Health
Want to Extend Your Lifespan?
