In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

In an approach to creating assembly plan for disaster mitigation, one or more computer processors identify one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors receive one or more configuration parameters for one or more assembly plans pertaining to the one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors analyze the one or more configuration parameters to determine necessary configuration parameters based upon the identified one or more triggering events. The one or more computer processors create the one or more assembly plans containing one or more instructions for one or more self-assembling robots based on the determined necessary configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors send the one or more assembly plans to one or more self-assembling robots.

Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

Systems (100) and methods (1400) for operating a Spool Mechanism (SM). The methods comprise: transitioning an operational mode of SM from a first operational mode in which a drag torque is not settable to a second operational mode in which the drag torque is settable; selectively mechanically coupling a rewind motor to a spool (612) of SM by engaging a coupler (1014) in response to the SM's transition into the second operational mode; activating the rewind motor (610) such that the rewind motor applies a motor torque having a pre-defined value selected for facilitating a setting of the drag torque to an optimal value; mechanically gradually adjusting an amount of drag resistance applied to the spool by a drag mechanism (1012); and discontinuing the mechanical adjustment of the drag resistance when the spool's speed is within a threshold percentage range of a zero resistance speed.

A mobile robot with one or more deployable scanning wands that advantageously mounts each scanning wand for movement from a storage position in or adjacent to a wall of the mobile base unit to a deployed position extending outwardly from the robot adjacent ground level. Preferably, the robot includes two or more deployable scanning wands and a holonomic drive function is provided in the mobile base unit. This drive allows controlled linear and rotational movement of the robot to provide an effective scan area. Sensors can be provided in the sides of the mobile base for assistance in control of the drive and/or further scanning of a vehicle, trailer or object of interest.

A breaching pole is provided including an elongated handle, an elongated arm joined with the elongated handle and a charge placement arm joined with the elongated arm. The charge placement arm can include a shaft having multiple barbs sized and spaced relative to one another so as to frictionally engage an insert placed over the charge placement arm to secure that insert to the arm. The breaching pole is operable to place the insert adjacent a structure using the charge placement arm and subsequently detonate a breaching device associated with the insert to breach the structure. The insert can define a bore with a sidewall. The charge placement arm registers within the bore. The insert can be constructed from compliant material so the insert deformably engages the barbs as the shaft is inserted into the bore of the insert. A related method of use is provided.

Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

A breaching pole is provided including an elongated handle, an elongated arm joined with the elongated handle and a charge placement arm joined with the elongated arm. The charge placement arm can include a shaft having multiple barbs sized and spaced relative to one another so as to frictionally engage an insert placed over the charge placement arm to secure that insert to the arm. The breaching pole is operable to place the insert adjacent a structure using the charge placement arm and subsequently detonate a breaching device associated with the insert to breach the structure. The insert can define a bore with a sidewall. The charge placement arm registers within the bore. The insert can be constructed from compliant material so the insert deformably engages the barbs as the shaft is inserted into the bore of the insert. A related method of use is provided.

Unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a rotary joint having an axis of rotation. A rotary joint actuator is responsive to at least one control signal and is configured to cause a rotatable portion of the rotary joint to rotate relative to the vehicle chassis about the rotary joint axis of rotation. A stabilizer flipper having an elongated length is attached to the rotatable portion. Consequently, rotation of the rotatable portion about the rotary joint axis of rotation results in a change of orientation of the stabilizer flipper relative to the chassis. This change in orientation can range between a lateral direction and an longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle chassis.

A method comprising the steps of providing an Explosive Initiation Safety and Handling System (EISS) coupled to a robot, operatively coupling a charge carrier table and a manipulator to the robot; securing a charge to the charge carrier table; installing a shock tube spool on the shock tube spooling mechanism and locking with an indexing nut; inserting the shock tube that has been uncoiled from the spooling mechanism into the interrupter and replacing the cap; attaching the shock tube to the charge; making an initiator-to-interrupter connection with the shock tube; retracting the manipulator on the robot to a fully stowed position and rotating the charge carrier in front of the robot; picking up the charge with the manipulator, extending the manipulator forward and placing the charge at a threat; stowing the charge carrier; positioning the robot at a distance from the threat, allowing the shock tube to spool out; remotely activating a first firing circuit on the robot to arm the system; cutting the shock tube inside the interrupter and aligning the shock tube with the initiator; and firing a second circuit to initiate the shock tube.