Warfighting lab experiments with robotic trucks

[darrels joy]

Warfighting lab experiments with robotic trucks




By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 20, 2011 8:57:29 EDT

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory is pushing forward with development of at least two unmanned ground vehicles, including a 7-ton truck that would cut down on the number of Marines outside the wire during resupply convoys.

Upcoming experiments will determine the feasibility of taking Marines out of some Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement trucks, thus exposing fewer to improvised explosive devices and other threats, said Capt. Warren Watts II, a logistics officer overseeing the project. Marines in one command-and-control vehicle would control up to two other trucks via laptop computer, with sensors, cameras and a computer in the unmanned vehicles providing direction at speeds of up to 45 mph.

The first tests will take place at Fort Pickett, Va., from May 16 to 20, Watts said. One unmanned vehicle and a C2 vehicle will demonstrate how they work when guided by computer programming and a Marine equipped with an Xbox-style remote control.

“If we use these types of kits that make these systems robotic, we don’t want this big hulking, mechanical thing taking up a lot of space in the cab,” said Maj. Patrick Reynolds, head of the logistics combat element branch in the lab’s technology division. “We want the ability to have a Marine jump in the cab, and at the flip of a switch, he can drive it.”

The experimental trucks don’t have armor because it’s in high demand in Afghanistan, but the sensors have been developed so they can be incorporated on armored vehicles, Reynolds said.

Members of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., will test the vehicles in September, Watts said. A culminating experiment is planned for 2012.

The Corps also continues development of its Ground Unmanned Vehicle Support Surrogate, a 3,000-pound cart that carries up to 1,200 pounds.

The program is assessing how unmanned vehicles could assist Marines during dismounted patrols by carrying water, supplies and battery chargers. Marines also can hop on it to drive up to two casualties out of harm’s way.

The vehicle can be operated through a portable, 3-pound control unit known as the WaySight, said Capt. Adorjan Ferenczy, the GUSS project officer. In “follow me” mode, the vehicle stays within a preset, adjustable distance of the Marines, allowing them to focus on their surroundings.

In a four-day, 15.5-mile experiment last year, GUSS was helpful in keeping water and supplies near Marines but struggled to determine which obstacles it could go through and which ones it needed to avoid, Marine officials said.

“Sometimes it sees tall grass as a wall,” Ferenczy said.

http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/201...cargo-042011w/