Customer: TATRC (via NCDR)
Role: Contractor to NCDR
Duration: 04/2008 – 06/2009
Purpose: Research and Development of a semi-automated casualty extraction vehicle capable of also performing cargo carrying in support of tasks associated with infantry platoon and/or squad level operations
Technologies: TeleOperation, Casualty Evacuation, Obstacle Detection, Obstacle Avoidance, RetroTraverse, Leader/Follower, JAUS payload development, Autonomous Navigation, Cargo Carrying
Capabilities: High speed mobility and response to potential threats, CASEVAC, cargo carrying, OD/OA, retrotraverse, leader/follower

This project serves to further the efforts of the National Center for Defense Robotics to investigate and develop robotic capabilities for use in current and future robotic combat casualty care and future needs in Autonomous Combat Casualty Care. This project is intended to further the knowledge base for robotic capabilities on the battlefield, in supporting first responders and in reducing the risk to military personnel. Each of the explored technologies will potentially provide improved capability to forces on the battlefield and improve force protection for those individuals involved in the extraction and care of battlefield casualties.

This project culminates in two weeks of testing at a MOUT site by enlisted infantry to provide feedback for future development.