Unmanned Systems Technology 020 | Alpha 800 I Additive Manufacturing focus I USVs insight I Pegasus GE70 I GuardBot I AUVSI Xponential 2018 show report I Solar Power focus I CUAV Expo Europe 2018 show report

67 video, audio and data transmission with selectable modulation bandwidths of 6, 7 or 8 MHz or optional 1.25 and 2.5 MHz narrow-band COFDM modes that can be used with a single video stream in the 20 mW mode. The 250 mW output is used for a longer range of 300 m with two video streams. The radio operates in the standard 2k DVB-T COFDM mode. It supports up to 256-bit AES encryption for public security monitoring, covert surveillance and other secure transmission applications. In addition, it has an asynchronous serial I/O, providing the ability to stack or multiplex multiple units. That allows the encoder of one radio to be connected to a primary radio and for both video streams to be sent over a single RF channel. The radio system allows the GuardBot to be integrated into virtually any existing legacy system, as the video streams are transmitted via MPEG-4 wrapped in RTP/ RTSP real-time streaming protocols. Video is fed to an operator control unit (OCU) COFDM mobile diversity receiver to display the live images. The receiver is ruggedised and compliant with COFDM DVB-T, and uses two antennas to provide a reliable connection to the GuardBot. Another feature of the radio system is the ability to use a mesh connection. This uses an additional OCU to relay video data back to an operator, extending the GuardBot’s range. Systems integration The use of standard radio protocols allows the GuardBot to be used easily with other systems, particularly legacy systems. This has been demonstrated in the open architecture SPAAR project (Spherical Platform for AEODRS Appliance Research). The Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robotic System (AEODRS) is a family of interoperable platforms for detecting explosives, and has been in development over the past 10 years. The first member of the family, the tracked AEODRS Increment 1, is being developed by Northrop Grumman Remotec for production this year. However future versions (Increments 2 and 3, planned for 2020 and 2023 respectively) have been cancelled, leaving the first system as the only member of the family. The SPAAR is a variant of the GuardBot design, and is used alongside the AEODRS to operate in environments such as narrow culverts, marsh and swamps, coastal areas and other bodies of water. Software developer OpenJAUS integrated the SPAAR into the AEODRS architecture using its commercial software development kit to produce interfaces to the SPAAR’s internal software that comply with the AEODRS interfaces for mobility, visual sensors, comms and system health reporting. That has allowed the AEODRS handheld operator control unit (HOCU) and the multi-robot operator control unit software to be used with both the SPAAR spherical system and the AEODRS tracked system. That means the SPAAR does not require complete integration of AEODRS architecture but ensures interoperability with programme resources such as the HOCU. A spherical unmanned system opens up a wide range of new applications. Being able to send a system out with cameras or sensors autonomously across difficult terrain or in small spaces provides dramatically more information for surveillance and monitoring applications. The battery-driven pendulum system is a new way of propelling and steering unmanned systems, and shows promise. Battery life can be an issue with this type of system, but the implementation has demonstrated a battery life that is useful for a wide range of applications and in many different conditions. The system has also shown that it can be used alongside other unmanned systems. Unmanned Systems Technology | June/July 2018 A version of the GuardBot has been developed to work alongside a tracked autonomous system in the SPAAR project