N13A-T010 TITLE: Prehensor for one atmosphere diving suit

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: NAVSEA 00C

OBJECTIVE: Develop a manipulator for an exosuit or ROV that possesses multiple fingers and an opposable/indexable thumb that more closely mimics the dexterity and flexibility of the human hand.

DESCRIPTION: Current exosuits and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are equipped with manipulators that resemble lobster claws or pliers that can simply open and close. This form of manipulation of very limited and results in excessive time spent working a problem underwater, development of task specific tools that can be operated by a claw or acceptance that a specific job simply can't be accomplished. The development of a manipulator that mimics the dexterity of a human hand would provide significant benefit to the underwater industry by expanding the range of operations a diver in an exosuit or a pilot of an ROV can accomplish. Control of manipulator is complicated by the need for remote operation; the diver's hands in an exosuit hand are internal to the suit, with mechanical controls that penetrate the hand pod and operate the external manipulator; whereas an ROV pilot may be in a control station thousands of feet away from the ROV.

PHASE I: Demonstrate feasibility for prehensor with multiple fingers and indexable thumb to be utilized by a diver in an exosuit or a pilot of a ROV.

PHASE II: Develop prototype of prehensor for use on exosuit that demonstrates increased dexterity over current manipulator. Develop mounting interface to enable use on exosuit. Design should meet requirements of NAVSEA P-9290 for certification.

PHASE III: Develop production model of prehensor for use on exosuit. Design to be certified under NAVSEA P-9290

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: A prehensor with increased dexterity over current manipulators would provide significant advantage to commercial diving companies who operate one atmosphere diving suits and underwater ROVs.

REFERENCES:
1. Nuytten, Phil; (1998) Life Support in Small One-Atmosphere Underwater Work Systems.

2. Nuytco Research Limited, Website: www.nuytco.com; http://www.nuytco.com/research/prehensor.shtml

3. Bissett, Tom, Viau, Glen; OceanWorks International Inc, (2003), Atmosphereic Diving as an Alternative Technology for Platform Inspections, Underwater Intervention 2003.

4. Gibson, Jim, English, Jim; Oceanworks International Inc, (2002), The U.S. Navy ADS2000, Beginning a New Era in Submarine Rescue.