Robotic Radio Communication System

This technology was the Navy winner in the OSD Office of Technology Transition & DoD TechMatch Hot Technologies Contest. SSC San Diego has developed a method and system for using a robot and relay radio system to maintain the communications link between the user and the robot. The system is platform independent, continuously monitors the network, and automatically deploys relay radios when the signal falls below a predetermined threshold. Each relay radio automatically positions itself upright and opens to release the antenna. The radios form a network, and maintain a line of sight between each radio to complete the link between the user and the robot. Background Mobile robots are increasingly used for operations conducted in life-threatening and hazardous environments, such as in mining and explosive disposal applications. Control and communication of current robot systems usually relies on line-of-sight communications. High-frequency digital and analog radios currently used are subject to limited battery power, signal range, and interference that is undesirable when used in urban environments and dangerous settings.To overcome these limitations, power amplifiers and larger antenna can be added for increased signal range; however, constrained real estate, increased battery power consumption, and robot mobility become issues. Key Benefits System automatically deploys the relay radios, requiring minimal dependence on the user for initial setup Allows users to choose when to deploy the relay radios if desired System requires no external power, which increases its range of operation While in sleep mode and not in use, system consumes extremely low levels of power, allowing it to last for months without recharging System can travel longer distances and into areas previously unreachable System is platform independent, and can work on a variety of robots Up to six modules can be deployed with current system Development Status Two patents pending DoD5000 Series Technical Readiness Level 6: System prototype demonstration in an operational environment Operational test data results available Second-generation system with increased functionality currently in development Eight years and $1.5 million total research and development The U.S. Navy seeks to commercialize a patent application for a system and method for maintaining communications in urban environments by utilizing an automatic robot radio relay system.