RE2 Automates Airfield Damage Recovery for Air Force with Robotic Automation Technology

The Contract

This $400,000 contract will support several Air Force groups, including the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD), the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unmanned Systems Technologies (EODUST).

RE2 has spent more than 20 years as an automation company that develops robots to perform tasks that would otherwise be dangerous to humans. 

They specialize in robotic arms, control systems, and autonomous systems in the medical, aviation, and defense industries. They are a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon and are now based out of Lawrenceville, PA.

 

The RADR Project

The RADR project is geared towards repairing an airfield after it has been damaged. This is especially important in hotspots, where air support is required as quickly as possible. Yet, the airfield is still subject to air raids or attacks.

 

RE2 integrates its RADR-A system into a Skid Steer. Image courtesy of RE2.

 

Suppose there is an airstrip in a battletorn area. It has been attacked by a foreign enemy and is no longer suitable for aircraft takeoffs and landings. 

Without RADR, a repair can be a time-consuming, costly and dangerous project. It requires construction, machinery, and able-bodied people to perform the repairs all under threat of a repeat attack.

RE2 is currently developing drop-in modules for automating construction machinery, such as the skidsteer shown in the image, that can be operated remotely. Instead of risking people’s lives, by placing them back on the airstrip, these automated construction machines can perform the repairs.

This system is designed to retrofit existing construction machinery instead of purchasing all-new hardware. 

 

Simplifying Re2 Retrofits

RE2, with its experience in creating “human-like” arms, aims to simplify retrofitting. 

Their robotic arms can manipulate the existing controls on the construction equipment. This adds to the system’s versatility, as a piece of construction equipment can be used by a human or by an RE2 robotic arm.

 

RE2 robotic arm. Image courtesy of RE2.

 

Jorgen Penderson, President and CEO of RE2 says, “These advancements to the system will allow RE2 to expand its toolset for the autonomous guidance of robotic arms, including its offerings in artificial intelligence technologies. This drop-in technology would also apply to commercial markets and allow companies to automate existing manned vehicles without the expense of purchasing new assets.”

The systems from RE2 goes a step further. Rather than being a remote control bulldozer, they have added some autonomy to the construction equipment. 

This allows the construction equipment to automatically perform some maneuvers while keeping track of other construction equipment that may assist with the repair.

While this may seem like some futuristic wish-list, some existing RADR equipment was used to clean up the runways at Tyndall Air Force Base in 2018, after being impacted by Hurricane Michael. The RADR-A (where “A” is for autonomous”), the Air Force, and RE2 hope to expand upon this system, adding autonomy to the construction equipment. 

RADR-A shows promise for quick, safe airfield repairs. This may be possible through RE2’s developments in autonomous control and robotic manipulation.