BioRobots, LLC Richard Bachmann, President Cleveland, OH Incorporated in 2002 Goal: Commercialize technology developed

by Roger Quinn et al. in biologically inspired robotics at Case Western Reserve University since 1990

2004 – current: under SBIR contract to develop Micro Air-Land Vehicle

Pursuing opportunities in other markets

The Morphing Micro Air-Land Vehicle (MMALV)

Technology Interchange Workshop

12-13 Sept 2007

Ft. Walton Beach

The Opportunity Range of missions would benefit from vehicle

with following capabilities: Rapid deployment

Small - "organic" resource for warfighter Preferably fully assembled

Medium/long range deployment Able to traverse intervening terrain Cover distance quickly

Precision insertion at target location Terrestrial vehicle

The Problem

Previous generation of vehicles Single mode of locomotion Small aerial

Long-range Unable to perform close-range, static inspection

Small terrestrial Great for close-range, static inspection Typically slow, limited terrain mobility

The Solution A vehicle with the following characteristics/

performance requirements: Multi-mode capable: Fly and Crawl Transition between modes: Land, Take-off? Useful range ≥ 1 mile Small (Wingspan ≤ 12") Light (Weight < 1 lb.) Sensor payload for effective reconnaissance

The Morphing Micro Air-Land Vehicle (MALV)

Technological Groundwork Integrate world-leading tech in small flying robotics

and small walking robotics UF-MAV – developed at University of Florida

Flexible wing enhances stability through passive washout Mini-Whegs™ - developed at Case Western Reserve U.

Wheel-leg provides speed of wheel, mobility of leg

1cm

Figure 1. Photograph showing relative sizes of the Mini-Whegs IV robot and a Blaberus gigantius cockroach.

video

MALV

Movie

Potential Missions

FCS battlespace surveillance (solicitation) IED inspection Ingress – hard target infiltration Search and rescue Homeland security Police and Fire

Scenarios Investigated

IED Inspection Under car inspection video Simulated IED approach video Autonomous control video

Roof-top surveillance video Ingress video Search and rescue video

Current Progress Ruggedness improved

More durable wheel-leg drive system Components hard mounted

Fabrication repeatability improved Components hard mounted – control C.G. location

for consistent dynamics Compartmentalization

Autopilot implemented for aerial navigation Wingspan increased for needed payload

PDA user interface developed

BioRobots' Intellectual Property Vehicle with Compliant Drive Train

6,964,309

Highly Mobile Robots that Run and Jump 7,249,640

Vehicle Configured for Aerial and Terrestrial Locomotion Utility application filed

Amphibious Robot Utility application filed

End

Questions