RE2 Robotics has secured a subcontract from a division of Applied Research Associates (ARA) to develop robotic systems for the US Air Force’s (USAF) rapid airfield damage repair (RADR) programme.
Valued at $3.3m, the contract will see the company provide mobile manipulation and ground robotics expertise for the RADR programme.
The USAF’s RADR programme aims to assess, mitigate and repair airfield damage remotely by using mobile ground robotic systems.
RE2 Robotics president and CEO Jorgen Pedersen said: "It is highly likely, if an airfield is attacked, that unexploded ordnance, debris, and extensive damage would need to be assessed and mitigated before steps could be taken to repair the site."
Through collaboration with ARA and the USAF, RE2 will identify reach, lift, weight, and dexterity requirements for RADR-specific manipulator arms.
The company will use existing technology, such as its DM4-A2 mobile manipulator and ForeRunner high-speed ground robotic platform, for demonstration and requirements generation purposes.
Eventually RE2 will develop a mobile manipulator arm that will meet the needs of the RADR mission.
Based in Pennsylvania, US, RE2 Robotics develops next-generation mobile robotics technology that will enable robots to work on the ground, in the air, or underwater.
The company focuses on the development of interoperable manipulation systems with human-like performance, intuitive human robot interfaces, and advanced autonomy software for mobile robotics.
