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Autonomous Pallet Loader
Navy SBIR 2019.1 - Topic N191-002 MCSC - Mr. Jeffrey Kent - [email protected] Opens: January 8, 2019 - Closes: February 6, 2019 (8:00 PM ET)
TECHNOLOGY
AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles ACQUISITION
PROGRAM: Extendable Boom Fork Lift - Modernization (EBFL-M) & Light
Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF) OBJECTIVE:
Develop an autonomous solution for transporting material up to the size of a
full 463L pallet without the help of manually operated material handling
equipment (i.e., forklift). Ensure a solution capable of loading and unloading
the above-mentioned material onto and off of aircraft that can accommodate a
463L pallet (e.g., CH-53 or C-130). DESCRIPTION:
Currently there is no system that allows for autonomous loading/unloading of
cargo palletized on full- or half-size 463L pallets in tactical/austere
environments. This results in a reliance on manpower (including fire teams) for
unloading tasks in unsecured locations. Autonomous capability to load and
unload cargo would greatly reduce the burden on troops in the field to move
supplies out of supplying aircraft. Manual handling of cargo increases time the
aircraft is on the ground in the Landing Zone and increases exposure of
personnel. The system must be able to load and unload a full 463L pallet onto
itself by remote control or autonomously. Once loaded, the system must be able
to navigate from the self-loading location to the aircraft, over semi-improved
surfaces. Technical Risks include autonomous interaction of manned/unmanned
platforms, effectiveness in unprepared environments, and cargo agnostic
handling capabilities. PHASE
I: Develop concepts for an autonomous pallet loader that meets the requirements
in the Description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting
Marine Corps needs and establish that the concepts can be developed into a
useful product for the Marine Corps. Establish feasibility by material testing
and analytical modeling, as appropriate. Provide a Phase II development plan
with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address
technical risk reduction. PHASE
II: Develop a scaled prototype for evaluation to determine its capability in
meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the
Marine Corps requirements for the autonomous pallet loader. Demonstrate system
performance through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods
over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Use
evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that will
meet Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to
transition the technology to Marine Corps use. PHASE
III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop the autonomous pallet loader for evaluation
to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment.
Support the Marine Corps process of test and validation to certify and qualify
the system for Marine Corps use. REFERENCES: 1.
�Autonomous Cargo Handling System.� SBIR Topic N171-087. https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/1208559 2.
�CH-53K King Stallion.� http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displayPlatform&key=1716CBDA-2950-4F8D-8001-3DD82B1DDB0F KEYWORDS:
Autonomous; Material Handling; Pallet; Loader; 463L; Automated Guided Vehicle;
Logistics; UGV
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