Applied Perception Expands its Robotic System Engineering And Integration Expertise Into the Civilia
Applied Perception announces two projects devoted to developing applications for the first responder and aviation industries. The diversity of their rapidly growing customer base reinforces API’s position as leading robotic systems engineering and integration company.
Applied Perception, Inc. (API), a Pittsburgh-based company that develops and licenses robotics-related technologies to market-leading companies in the fields of defense, transportation, and agriculture, today announced three robotic system engineering and integration projects it has secured. API is acting as a prime contractor for the U.S. Army RDECOM-TARDEC Robotics Skunk Works project and as a subcontractor for Loretto, PA based St. Francis University’s Robotic Emergency Medicine and Danger-Detection project and Johnstown, PA based Mountain Top Technologies’ Aviation Ground Navigation System project. Following are the details of each project:
Robotics Skunk Works
Applied Perception is acting as the prime contractor and system integrator for US Army RDECOM-TARDEC’s project devoted to developing and testing new robotic Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) compliant technologies. Applied Perception’s responsibilities include development of the unmanned ground vehicle platform, called the TAGS-CX, algorithms to enable autonomous and collaborative behaviors, and a modular robotics payload mounting system. This payload mounting system provides a standardized mechanical, electrical, and network interface for future payloads. Initial payloads will include the Picatinny Lightweight Remote Weapon Station and a medical patient recovery module with integrated life-support. The modularity of the payload interface enables a large number of possible payloads and mission configurations.
Robotic Emergency Medicine and Danger-Detection (REMeD-D)
Applied Perception is working as a subcontractor for St. Francis University to develop a prototype robotic environmental assessment and patient extraction system for rural first responders. Applied Perception’s responsibilities included all system integration activities including robot and OCU software development, electro-mechanical integration of the patient extraction unit and marsupial robots, and system-of-system architecture design. A remote operator can utilize 360ยบ daylight and thermal imaging and chemical/nuclear sensors to scout a contaminated area for potential victims and extract them to a safer location.
Aviation Ground Navigation System (AGNAS)
Applied Perception is also serving as a subcontractor on the AGNAS project for MountainTop Technologies. For this project, API will provide a prototype UGV system to support unattended movement of air vehicles on tarmacs and runways. API’s responsibilities include all prototype vehicle system integration activities and supporting integration of the customer’s mission specific operator control unit. In addition, API is providing unmanned vehicle domain knowledge in support of mission capability development and requirements capture. All software is JAUS compliant, including the customer’s operator control unit, which will use API JAUS Development Toolkit.
“Since January 2005, we have experienced an incredible period of growth by expanding our vertical technology integration capabilities and kicking off eight projects ranging from research and development for the US military to complete system development for both military and civilian applications,” commented Todd Jochem, president of API. “As a result of this growth, we have recently relocated to larger facilities in Cranberry Township, PA and have hired seven additional full-time staffers from across the country to fill our need for software, electrical, and mechanical engineers. We have realized our goal of working with both local and national partners to develop robotic solutions for civilian applications while maintaining a steady stream of unmanned vehicle projects initiated by the U.S. military.”
“For our AGNAS project, we sought out the leading robotic system engineering and integration organizations to support our unmanned vehicle requirements,” commented Bill Hunt, MountainTop Technologies program manager for AGNAS. “Applied Perception was selected because of their significant expertise with UGV software and hardware, as well as their ability to integrate the UGV-related technologies into the overall system requirements.”
Since its founding in 2001, API has rapidly evolved from a primarily research-based entity to a leading robotic component and system integration company. Recognized as an industry leader in sensor integration and UGV software development, API boasts a diverse customer base within the U.S. government and participates as a prime contractor for most of these projects. In addition, three members of API’s management team serve on the JAUS committee, two of them as committee chairs, and provide expertise both at the software and strategic levels.
About Applied Perception, Inc.
Applied Perception was founded in 2001 by graduates of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute and is focused on developing and licensing unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) related technologies in the fields of defense, transportation, and agriculture. Applied Perception specializes in complete robotic system integration with a focus on computer software and sensors, but also encompassing electrical, mechanical, and communication technologies. These systems feature sophisticated perception, planning, and control capabilities to provide robust solutions to customer-driven problems. Applied Perception provides services and solutions to a wide variety of clients including Fortune 500 companies, federal and state government agencies, and academic research labs.
