UGCV PerceptOR
Integration (UPI)
Application


Telescoping mast enables covert surveillance

The Problem
Navigating complex terrain at speed and with minimal human supervision has always been a major challenge for UGVs. The need to recognize obstacles requires a dramatic improvement in perception capability. Also, the continued likelihood of running into obstacles requires a vehicle that is rugged enough to continue operating after sustaining tolerable damage in collisions.

The Solution
Building on successful results from PerceptOR, the UPI program’s perception and automation systems are being extended to improve automation capabilities at higher speeds.

As part of UPI, NREC designed a new vehicle, Crusher, which features a new highly durable hull, increased travel suspensions, and leverage off many development and improvements from the Spinner vehicle.

Enhanced perception capabilities include new "learning” technologies that enable the vehicle to learn from terrain data. It can then navigate new, highly varied terrains with increasing levels of autonomy. The team is also applying machine learning techniques to improve Crusher ’s localization estimate in the absence of GPS.

Payload development, integration and testing are scheduled to continue through 2008. UPI will bring together technologies and people to produce autonomous vehicle platforms capable of conducting missions with minimal intervention.