The vehicles were perfect. Weighing in at around 3-3.5t they are fully amphibious and have phenomenal ground mobility too. The pickup version has a very useful cargo area and load capacity and we figured that a teleoperated version with the upper bodywork removed would have well over a tonne payload.
We set about applying our teleoperation architecture to the new platform. In keeping with the modular approach, our main module and drive module are a standard fit with a platform specific interface module being designed to interface to the Cummins 2.8 ISF and vehicle electrics. This interface module also handles the user interface, as part of our target was to replace the Russian-fit 'stick' steering control with a Western-friendly steering wheel or yoke arrangement.
As a testament to the modularity of the teleoperation architecture, the platform was driving through the new control system at the end of the first day of integration, and entirely remotely midday of the second day (which is when these videos were taken).
At this point the decision was made to transition from prototype modules to full production ones, and to swap our manual gearbox vehicle for an automatic version. While doing this we had a couple of high-profile customer demonstrations and took both vehicles (one remote) to the Emergency Services Show (2012) at Stoneleigh where for both days, despite the rain, we demonstrated the remote control ability to show visitors and exhibitors with a high degree of interest.
Currently both vehicles have been returned to their factory in Russia and we are awaiting their return (complete with automatic gearboxes) in order to fit the latest production modules and to finalise the steering automatic calibration routines.
Several people have asked what the intended use of the remote platform is. The key reasons for remote control are to remove people from potential harm and to increase the platforms capabilities by removing people (e.g. taking the vehicle into a burning building, carrying large loads or using it to rescue stranded people (more people per load so less trips)). We have plans to implement a 'virtual hitch' to create a convoy-style arrangement, a remote control manipulator arm (similar to a HIAB) and to add data links to enable extra functionality such as sensors or UAV applications. Whilst we are concentrating on civilian applications, there are many military applications also, not limited to mine detection and clearing, reconnaissance, recovery, convoying and fire support. Our biggest advantages are unparalleled mobility and low cost.
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