About the MARCbot
The MARCbot IV (Multi-function Agile Remote Control Robot) is a small robotic platform aimed squarely at inspection of suspicious objects during IED Sweeps. The MARCbot is provided as a remote inspection platform allowing soldiers to achieve stand-off when trying to determine if an object is an IED. 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, simplicity while getting the job done was the sole focus in development.
- 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". 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.
- Runtime is a minimum of three hours for each set of batteries. A fully charged set of BB-2590 batteries will give over six hours of continuous operation.
- Operator Control Unit (OCU) has 12' antenna extension mounts, allowing the soldier to stay within the armored vehicle while controlling the robot in a known potential IED / ambush location.
- Articulated arm has extended reach for viewing suspicious objects from a variety of angles.
- Total system cost is less than 1/10th the cost of any other similarly capable military robot. Less expensive item cost means more robots available to save lives.
- Control range exceeds military recommendations for line of sight standoff distance.
Versions
The MARCbot was developed by a spiral development process: iterative development driven by soldier feedback. Soldier feedback was acquired in theater from use on combat missions. 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 IV: MARCbot IV
- Improved control range.
- Improved durability.
- Lowered center of gravity to increase platform stability.
- Additional drive power for rough terrain.
- Improved camera for better inspection resolution and night time performance.
- Added driving lights for increased visibility at night.
- Added brake function to allow for controlled inspections on inclines.
- Increased range of motion of arm.
- Added carry rails.
- Inserted OCU inside tough plastic container for transport durability.
- Simplified OCU controls to increase ease of use.
- Added remote antenna mounts to allow user to control robot from within armored vehicle.
Spiral III: MARCbot III
- Improved arm retention / protection.
- Improved securing of components.
- Improved camera and light head assembly.
Spiral II: MARCbot II
Images similar to MARCbot III; label on side of robot and controller designates between a MARCbot II and a MARCbot III.
- Battery system upgraded to run from military standard BB-2590 and BB-390 batteries (rechargeable versions of BA-5590).
- Improved suspension system.
- Improved OCU components.
- Improved OCU labeling and instructions.
- Improved durability.
- Used metal drive train components to address plastic component failures.
- Used "U Channel" to house and protect main arm assembly on robot.
Spiral I: MARCbot I
Original system consisted of an arm module mounted by velcro on a wooden-platform "disposable robot" supplied by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The robot ran off of RC car batteries, and had a runtime of about 20 minutes between charges. This version of the chassis as supplied was later rejected due to durability, speed, control, power usage profile, and braking issues, but helped prove out the concept and validate the need.