About the LVUSS
The LVUSS (Long-Range Vehicle Undercarriage Surveillance System) is a small robotic platform aimed squarely at inspection of vehicle undercarriages at ECPs, TCPs, and convoy mustering yards. The LVUSS is provided as a remote inspection platform allowing soldiers to achieve stand-off when trying to inspect underneath various foreign vehicle platforms. It is not intended to be used to physically touch, bump, modify, or attempt to disable suspected IEDs.
Features
Designed in the field with soldiers in Iraq, LVUSS development tried to solve two current shortcomings in undervehicle inspection in the simplest platform possible: longer range remote inspection and inspection over very rough terrain such as muddy, rutted mustering yards.
Image: Typical mustering yard in OIF
- Unique split-body design with six-wheel drive (concept credit to The Machine Lab) allows for exceptional rough terrain capability while retaining a low chassis height for under vehicle inspection.
- Robot runs from military standard BB-2847 (NSN 6140-01-493-8092) batteries; these are the rechargeable versions of the battery used for the AN/PAS-13. Simpifies logistics, saves the military money (compared to proprietary batteries), greatly increases the vehicle runtime (compared to RC car batteries), and makes the soldier's job easier.
- OCU runs from military standard BB-2590 (NSN 6140-01-490-4316) or BB-390 (NSN 6140-01-490-4317) batteries; these are the rechargeable versions of the "5590". OCU also runs from 110-220 VAC as many ECPs have generator power. Simpifies logistics, saves the military money (compared to proprietary batteries), and makes the soldier's job easier.
- Runtime is a minimum of three hours for each set of robot batteries.
- Operator Control Unit (OCU) has appropriate antenna extensions to allow operator to remain a safe distance away and inside a bunker as appropriate while operating the inspection vehicle.
- Total system cost is less than 1/4 the cost of any other similarly capable military robot. Less expensive item cost means more robots available to save lives.
Versions
The LVUSS was developed by a spiral development process: iterative development driven by soldier feedback. Soldier feedback was acquired in theater from use at real ECPs and mustering yards. Thus, all design choices, from the batteries to the choice of lighting, was a result of feedback from multiple users, not some focus group in CONUS.
The images and descriptions below detail the various MARCbot spirals and some of the improvements that were implemented from direct soldier feedback.
Spiral III: LVUSS III
- Improved video range by increasing the distance between the operator and the video receiver.
- Improved durability and overall body design.
- Lowered camera into the body to allow for inspection under low-riding vehicles.
- Changed robot power source to military standard BB-2847 batteries.
- Increased durability of camera tilt mechanism.
- Improved and tilted viewing screen for more detailed and easier inspection.
- Added 110/220 VAC power option for OCU.
- Improved system labeling and instructions.
Spiral II: LVUSS II
- Greatly extended operational range by several methods for both control and video.
- Simplified OCU controls to increase ease of use.
- Improved camera for better inspection resolution.
- Inserted OCU inside tough plastic container for transport durability.
- Improved camera and light head assembly.
Spiral I: LVUSS I
- "Origianl LVUSS," donated to the military by Exponent, Inc.
- Utilized split-body design from The Machine Lab to address rough terrain problems on dirt roads and at muddy, rutted mustering yards.
- This version of the system as supplied was improved in later spirals due to range, user interface, durability, and battery-type issues, but helped prove out the concept and validate the need.