Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) Remote Digger and Hammer Chisel Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-050 Topic Title: Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) Remote Digger and Hammer Chisel Proposal No.: N101-050-0511 Firm: Vecna Technologies Inc. 6404 Ivy Lane Suite 500 Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 Contact: Daniel Theobald Phone: (617) 864-0636 Web Site: www.vecna.com Abstract: Current robotic MTRS EOD removal platforms have great difficulty dealing with buried EODs because their small size is insufficient to support the necessary excavation tools. Vecna Technologies, Inc. proposes a novel solution in our mechanically actuated pneumatic impact digger. The digger''s hammer chisel is mechanically actuated by pressing its tip against a surface; an innovative pneumatic shuttle automatically cycles pressurized gas and outside air to rapidly move the pistonb. The system requires no external valving or electrical power, is robust to failure through a simple four part design, is modular, and does not impact mission duration or power consumption. Benefits: The primary market for this technology is the military EOD robot market because its design is intended to minimize size and power consumption to fit on a mobile platform. Vecna maintains close relationships with Foster-Miller and iRobot, makers of the TALON and Packbot MTRS robots (respectively). These relationships will ensure that the proposed impact digger will quickly transition into governmental use on their platforms. The light weight and vibrational isolation of the proposed device makes it applicable to a variety of civilian applications. The most straightforward application would be adaptation of the device for use in civilian EOD operations. The device could also be scaled up and used as a portable low-vibration handheld jackhammer for construction applications. As the European Union Vibration Directive places limits on workplace vibration exposure and similar legislation is expected in the United States, this device could be marketed as a low-vibration alternative to pneumatic and electric jackhammers. Return