BI-FLEX: Soft Elastomeric Technology for Rapidly Deployable Manipulation Capability

The US Navy?s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) objectives include keeping divers and sailors out of minefields while neutralizing underwater mines and water borne improvised explosive devices (WBIED). Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) with specially designed and fabricated manipulator arms can meet this objective. Boston Engineering and our partner Worcester Polytechnic Institute propose to develop bio-inspired soft robotic manipulators and grippers for use with UUV platforms, providing a remotely operated EOD system. In Phase I we will conduct engineering trade studies to select the best materials, finalize component designs, and predict overall system designs to neutralize EOD and WBIED threats. Specific manipulator designs will address multiple task demands and coordination. The arms will interact with a hovering platform and specially designed interfaces between the platform and the manipulators. Designs for end grippers will be developed, leveraging the same elastomeric actuation technology. In Phase II Boston Engineering will design, fabricate, test, and refine prototype manipulators and grippers in a complete UUV system that demonstrates the ability to conduct EOD tasks to allow robotic neutralization of mines and WBIED, keeping divers and operators at a safe distance. Boston Engineering will develop a path to commercialization and transition to the fleet.