USA flag logo/image

An Official Website of the United States Government

Plug & Play Integrated Hybrid Power System for Humanoid Robot

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Army 		Award ID:
97944 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
A102-125-0510 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
ARMY 10-125 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Aerodyne Research, Inc.
45 MANNING RD BILLERICA, MA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Plug & Play Integrated Hybrid Power System for Humanoid Robot
Agency / Branch: DOD / ARMY
Contract: W56HZV-11-C-0060
Award Amount: $69,912.00
 

Abstract:

Robotic platforms, such as humanoid robots and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are significantly contributing to the capabilities of the U.S. Army. The BEAR humanoid robot offers exceptional capabilities for a robotic platform, but its mission duration is substantially constrained by the low volumetric energy density of rechargeable batteries. For maximum operational flexibility, the power source must be contained within the BEAR outer form and not attached externally to the back of the BEAR. This presents a challenging volumetric energy density requirement for its power source. No currently commercially available power systems can meet all of the power source requirements for the BEAR robot, including the energy density requirement. Aerodyne Research, Inc (ARI) with its teaming partner Busek Co. proposes to adapt ARI's free-piston miniature IC engine (MICE) generator technology to the humanoid robot power source application. This technology can provide lightweight, compact power generation using JP-8 fuel that is well-suited for the challenging BEAR robot application. The power source will have hybrid capability, providing power from batteries alone, from the MICE generator alone, or from a combination of both, and will allow the batteries to be recharged while providing power to the robot during most of the mission.

Principal Investigator:

Kurt D. Annen
Principal Engineer
9786639500
kannen@aerodyne.com

Business Contact:

Charles E. Kolb
President
9786639500
kolb@aerodyne.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Aerodyne Research, Inc.
45 Manning Road Billerica, MA 01821

EIN/Tax ID: 042471226
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No