iRobot-John Deere R-Gator
Semi-Autonomous
Operations
iRobot–John Deere R-Gator Unmanned Ground Vehicle
Partner: John Deere Company
iRobot contact: research_inquiries@irobot.com
- The
Need - To effectively perform a variety of critical missions, such as perimeter patrol, warfighters must be able to inspect sensitive areas from safe distances and detect obstacles and hazards. Versatile and rugged unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) could serve as perimeter guards, unmanned scouts, point men, supply carriers and in other important mission roles while protecting personnel.
- The
Project - The R-Gator combines the field-proven technologies of the John Deere M-Gator™ and the iRobot® PackBot® with state-of-the-art robot controls, navigation and obstacle detection technologies jointly developed for R-Gator’s critical missions.
R-Gator offers the opportunity to evaluate the advantages of unmanned vehicle technology in numerous operational scenarios. R-Gator’s robust capabilities include the ability to shift quickly between teleoperated, autonomous and manual modes. In autonomous mode, R-Gator uses numerous sensors to detect obstacles and guide the vehicle. With the flip of a switch, the operator can transition to manual mode and drive the vehicle like a car. The vehicle automatically collects a series of waypoints while it is manually driven or teleoperated, enabling it to retrace the path autonomously. - The
Goals -
- Evaluate UGV technology in various operational and mission scenarios.
- Extend the capabilities of teleoperated and autonomous UGVs to keep warfighters out of harm’s way while guarding perimeters and performing other dangerous missions.
