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Sensor-Smart Affordable Autonomous Robotic Platforms (SAARP)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Branch: N/A
Contract: HSHQDC-13-C-00021
Agency Tracking Number: DHS SBIR-2012.1-H-SB012.1-006-0006-II
Amount: $693,232.17
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: H-SB012.1-006
Solicitation Number: DHS SBIR-2012.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-05-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2015-04-30
Small Business Information
555 Quince Orchard Road Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878-1426
United States
DUNS: 121257443
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Alberto Lacaze
 (240) 631-0008
 lacaze@roboticresearch.com
Business Contact
 Edward Mottern
Title: Director of Programs
Phone: (240) 631-0008
Email: lacaze@roboticresearch.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Sensor-smart Affordable Autonomous Robotic Platforms (SAARP) is developing low cost autonomous robotic platforms to perform searching, mapping, and navigation tasks with minimal operator interaction. These inexpensive robotic platforms can quickly be deployed by first responders to provide a wide range of capabilities for a variety of missions; search and rescue, carrying sensors to determine environmental conditions (chemical, biological, radiological, oxygen levels, explosive detection, heat level), 2D and 3D mapping, and overall situational awareness for firefighters, law enforcement, and command center coordinators. Because there may be disruptions in communications, especially when working in and around collapsed structures, inside buildings, or tunnels, and also a limited number of personal to operate robotic assets, the system must have autonomous capabilities, be communications resilient and work in both GPS and GPS-denied areas. Robotic Research, LLC's previously developed autonomous mobility package for use with multiple robotic platforms provides autonomy, however must be modified to meet the low cost requirement. High cost sensors that allow for autonomous functionality, are the main obstacles to low cost. SAARP is focused on an alternative sensor head that uses structure light. The result will be a demonstration of a low cost, small, autonomous ground robotic platform.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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