Selected Projects

 

Autonomous Aircraft Ground Refueling (AAGR):

Stratom was selected by Air Force Research Laboratories to develop a robotic system for the automated refueling of grounded aircraft. One major technology area developed under this research includes an advanced vision system for identification of latch screws. The Stratom team has developed the enabling camera and robot calibration methods, image processing feature detection methods, robot localization methods, and has integrated the camera, range-finding, and other proximity sensors with robotic navigation and path planning algorithms to allow the robot to function fully autonomously to complete its mission requirements. Tasks performed by the robotic system include locating aircraft panel features, localizing the robot orientation to the random aircraft positions, and utilizing interchangeable tools to unlatch and open and close the aircraft service panel, and install and actuate standard refueling nozzles within the aircraft access panel. An additional achievement the Stratom team has demonstrated in this program has been to externally control a 6-axis robot in a fully autonomous operating mode from a stand-alone computing platform.


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Semi-autonomous Manipulation and Sensing:

Stratom was selected by The Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Center (SPAWAR) to complete the research and development of a Robotic Tool Changer system. The system utilizes advanced robotics manipulation technology as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for the location and identification of tools in a tool carrier that is mounted on the platform of the robot. Tools that will be developed include powered tools, simple tools and energetic tools. The system is being developed to enhance Explosive Ordinance Disruptor technologies and capabilities for use in theatre.

Automatic Robotic Tool Changer Brochure  (PDF: 607k)


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