Robot detects hazardous materials.January 29, 2007 -
Using JAUS Joint Architecture Unmanned Systems software, TALON® Hazmat robot makes it possible to plug-and-play up to 7 sensors mounted on quick-release universal mounting tray. Data from sensors is integrated into PDA at operator control so that users can send TALON forward to check suspicious area for presence of chemicals, radiation, gases, or fires before sending personnel. PDA provides audio and visual alarms if any sensor exceeds preset limits.
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Original Press release
Foster-Miller, Inc.
195 Bear Hill Rd.
Waltham, MA, 02451-1003
USA
Second-Generation TALON Hazmat Robot Debuts Today at Unmanned Systems Conference in Nashville
WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 23 /- Re-engineered to be even more versatile and adaptable that its predecessors, Foster-Miller's second-generation TALON(R) Hazmat robot is being displayed for the first time today at the Unmanned Systems Capabilities Conference (USCC) sponsored by the Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise (JGRE) and the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) in Nashville, TN, Jan. 23 and 24.
The newest Hazmat version of the robot uses JAUS (Joint Architecture Unmanned Systems) software to make it possible to "plug and play" up to seven sensors mounted on a quick-release universal mounting tray for easy removal. In addition, the person digital assistant (PDA) at the operator control unit has been upgraded to include audio and visual alarms if any of the mounted sensors exceed preset limits, so operators can concentrate on maneuvering the robot and not be distracted by having to constantly monitor the sensors.
TALON software currently supports seven sensors in five categories including:
o Smiths APD 2000 WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) detector.
o BAE Systems Chem Sentry 150C WMD detector.
o Canberra AN/VDR beta and gamma radiation monitor.
o Draeger Multiwarn II industrial gas detector.
o RAE MultiRAE industrial gas detector.
o Nomadics Fido(R) explosives detector.
o Raytek Target temperature probe.
Data from the chosen sensors are integrated into the Foster-Miller designed PDA so that robot operators can send the TALON Hazmat robot forward to check a suspicious area for the presence of chemicals, radiation, gases or fires before sending any personnel down range. Alternative sensors can be placed on the universal mounting tray but only viewed by the robot cameras. Data from these sensors would not be available on the PDA.
"Foster-Miller knows how important it is that Police and Fire first responders have the best possible equipment with them when they go out and face the dangers of unknown hazardous materials," said Dr. William Ribich, President and CEO of Foster-Miller. "Crew safety and effectiveness are always first and foremost in our minds. They shape our internal efforts to provide specific features and enhancements tailored to real customers performing real missions."
About Foster-Miller
Foster-Miller, Inc. is an engineering, manufacturing and technology development firm principally located in suburban Boston, MA on Rte. 95, "America's Technology Highway." It is certified to Aerospace Quality Management Standard AS9100 and has SW-CMM Level 3 software certification from the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Foster- Miller was founded in 1956 by three graduates of MIT who believed there was a need for a company that could solve clients' difficult technical problems through first-class analysis and design. In November 2004, it became an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ North America (QNA). Visit foster-miller.com for further information.
CONTACT: Cynthia Black of Foster-Miller, Inc., +1-781-684-4093
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