ARA engineers have developed the LRV for tele-operated use and it is able to climb and descend stairs, rocks, and rubble up to 11'' in height. This small, agile robot has the ability to operate as a stand-alone robot (man packable), or as a mission module (marsupial).

The LRV uses a polymorphic locomotion system which allows it to operate in a wheeled mode to traverse moderate terrain quickly and a rough terrain mode for efficient maneuvarability over a wide range of environmental conditions such as: steps, rocks, building obstacles, building debris, compound slopes (successfully tested up to 45 degrees), sand, and ice surfaces. The platform has an optional pivoting body capable of moving 30 degrees relative to the other side, allowing great mobility in the wheeled mode.

System Specifications

Size: 19” width, 13” Length, and 5.25” Height, Tail Length 18”

Weight: 13 Pounds

Speed (Wheeled): 8 Feet per Second (Climbing): 1 Step per Second

Range: 7+ Miles on a Single Charge

Duration: 5-6 hours of easy to moderate terrain, 1-2 hours of extreme terrain. Transmit video intermittently for weeks.

Suspension: Pivoting body for use up to medium terrain (5” obstacles). Locked pivoting body for rough terrain (able to traverse up to 9” obstacles using the tail). Able to traverse under obstacles (down to 5” openings).

Control System: Wireless long range communication radios, graphical user interface, onboard computer and a 240˚ scanning laser allowing for obstacle avoidance and guarded motion.

Video: 2 Video cameras (one for normal navigation - 0.0003 Lux, one for climbing), 2 way radio

LRV Video Download .wmv 18.4MB