Uncrewed Systems Technology 044 l Xer Technolgies X12 and X8 l Lidar sensors l Stan UGV l USVs insight l AUVSI Xponential 2022 l Cobra Aero A99H l Accession Class USV l Connectors I Oceanology International 2022

50 Digest | Stanley Robotics Stan UGV very back to prevent rearward collisions, various electronic, electromechanical and pneumatic systems are installed about the platform bed to execute the lifting and parking jobs. Stanley Robotics’ engineers carried out extensive r&d to optimise the Stan’s hardware and software. As Anthony Trouble, head of robotics engineering, puts it, “The electrical harnesses contain about 1000 different wires, and our embedded software totals about 65,000 lines of code. “And since the ground clearances under some cars are incredibly narrow, we had to design the platform to be as thin as possible. That was the major mechanical constraint, and is why we’ve used pneumatics in some cases where electromechanical actuators would have taken up too much space. “That makes sourcing some components challenging, but in future versions we plan to go thinner still nonetheless, so we’re constantly running sizing studies and other research to facilitate that. We’re often working in tight conditions and carrying extremely heavy loads, so building up the right methodology and tools for all the design, simulation and prototyping has been critical.” To ensure a robust chassis for the battery, the powertrain and the heavy loads they must carry, the Stan is made largely from steel. The parts used are high strength but not the highest available grades, as these would be prohibitively expensive and make sourcing replacement componentry for maintenance difficult. “It also means we can cut parts to the shapes needed for the unique look and feel of the robot,” Trouble notes. “The front fairing is currently fibreglass composite, but we might pick something simpler for that in the future, such as stamped sheet steel. “We are also starting environmental impact studies of the materials we use. As a result of our early findings, we intend to remove all stainless steels from future- generation Stans: they use chromium, which can be highly toxic as well as energy-intensive to produce, so we’re switching to galvanic steels instead.” Being an outdoor vehicle with a very low floor, early tests revealed that the electric systems could often get flooded in rainy weather – 10 cm of rain can be enough to cause internal flooding. “So everything less than 10 cm from the ground is IP67-rated – all the connectors, harnesses and so on,” Trouble adds. “We work with Genaris, a proven producer of automotive- and military- grade wiring harnesses, although the connectors come from several other suppliers. Getting the sizing right is important, and no one company as far as we know can supply in bulk for the voltage and ruggedness we need.” Car-handling mechanisms The Stan’s actual physical grip is achieved by the flatbed platform beneath it and using what are essentially four electromechanically deployed forklift- like structures that snap about the tyres. Each of these consists of two rods, aptly referred to by Trouble as “pliers”. Once a car that needs parking is identified, the Stan drives in front of it and starts sliding its platform under its front wheels by reversing towards it. The rearmost pliers are initially ‘retracted’ so that they point backwards to pass through the gap between the front wheels, and are then deployed outwards. The mobile part of its platform June/July 2022 | Uncrewed Systems Technology The Stan is built mostly from steel to ensure optimal mechanical robustness