Advanced Robotic Detection of Chemical/Biological Agents, Toxic Industrial Gases, and IEDs for Force Health Protection.

The recent rise in asymmetric warfare and terrorism has brought about an increased threat from biological and chemical weapons. Their potential lethality and their indiscriminate nature make them natural choices for use as a terror weapon. Quick, reliable, and safe detection of these agents is imperative. The Energid team proposes a novel teleoperated robotic system for the rapid detection of chemical and biological agents, including toxic gases and the chemical components of IEDs. The system, which employs an iRobot UGV PackBot platform and a novel arm for manipulation, seamlessly integrates sampling tools and assay devices. The arm will use series elastic actuators and a control system based on Energid’s Actin robot control software. The system will be controlled through a JAUS compliant command, control and communication system, and will integrate chemical and bioagent detection systems by MesoSystems and Alexeter Technologies. As part of this project, we are also advancing the state-of-the-art in chemical and bioagent detection systems. We will develop an inexpensive, high enhancement factor, SERS-based spectrometer capable of quickly (<1 sec) and accurately identifying chemical and biological agents. The SERS technology will potentially provide a universal detection subsystem for chemical/bio-agents, industrial toxic gases and chemical components of IEDs.