20,000 Robots Under The Sea (Sans Nemo)

Robots will replace human jobs, period.  There are occupations that are frankly just too dangerous for people. For example, earlier today I met with a former diver and demolition expert for the Israeli Navy (who now runs his own robotic startup).  CMU alum company, RE2, Inc., received a SBIR grant for designing “Inflatable Underwater Manipulator Arms” for the US Navy as part of their expanded development of underwater drones.

During the Phase I program, RE2 will design a light-weight inflatable underwater manipulation system for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV). The inflatable manipulator arms will be designed as a payload for AUVs. Ultimately, the manipulator arms will be used as a collaborative robotic system to assist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) divers in dismantling Waterborne Improvised Explosive Devices (WIEDs) and other hazards.

EOD divers are often placed in harm’s way while performing underwater location and identification of ordnance on ships, waterways, and underwater structures. The deployment of a cost-effective and reliable manipulation system on an AUV promises to bring the stand-off capabilities that robotic and autonomous systems have brought to EOD technicians operating on land to those operating underwater.

“Our talented engineering team has extensive experience designing and developing robotic arms for EOD robots,” stated Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2. “Underwater is our next frontier and we are honored that the Navy has entrusted RE2 with the design of this new inflatable robotic manipulation system.”

This program is RE2’s second contract with the Navy this year to develop underwater manipulator arms. RE2 is also developing an Underwater Dexterous Manipulation System for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Applications, this past August.

While the RE2’s grant is currently focused on ordnance disposal, other non-military applications may be on the horizon such as disaster recovery and surveying/collection. When I last met with Pedersen he was focused on a ubiquitous platform for interchangeable parts, this wider distribution strategy will enable him to expand this value proposition for both robots and humans, alike.