Seeker Series R500e Robot

Overview

Combining speed, functionality, power and performance, the reusable R500e is also priced for mass distribution. In military applications, it can function as a mechanical point man on patrol, working ahead of troops, seeking out danger and when it is found, it can then help to reduce the threat by deploying a charge up to 35 pounds on a disposable trailer. With the extended battery life, and a run time of up to eight hours, the operator will not be stopping frequently to recharge batteries in order to continue the mission.

Think robots are only for IED defeat? Think again.

Primary mission: reconnaissance and surveillance

• sees and hears day and night
• range: 1000 feet (305 meters)
• speed: 25 mph (40 kph)
• run time: up to 8 hours*

Secondary mission: threat reduction

• disposable trailer to destroy IED and other threats
• trailer payload up to 25 pound (11.34 kg)

Applications

For law enforcement, first responder and homeland security missions, the R500e can be "eyes and ears" on the ground. When you don't know what is around a corner, down an alley or across the street, the R500e can be sent to bring back real-time images and intelligence.

For plant and port security applications, the robot can patrol, use fixed and mobile surveillance, and maneuver in small spaces to provide visual security.

Features

Key performance features of the R500e:

• Reusable robot with disposable trailers for threat reduction
• Affordable
• Long range, extended operating time
• Sees and hears, day and night
• Two cameras: a fixed drive camera that becomes the "eyes of the operator" and a pan and tilt camera that looks up and down, and in any direction
• Infra red provides night vision and low light capability
• Six inch display designed for bright day-light operation and also a high quality Heads Up Display (HUD). Black and white video for better resolution
• Utility bed on the robot allows for carrying rapid coil, supplies and other items. The trailer can also be used for transporting items other than a charge
• Lightweight, weighs only 25 pounds (11.3 kg)
• Easy-to-use joystick operator controls
• Both robot and Operator Control Unit (OCU) come in hard cases for safe transportation
• One-way audio transmits sound back to the operator
• Heavy duty construction (see specifications)
• Video output cable allows for camcorder recording

Benefits

• Changing role for robots
  The R500e is specifically designed to reduce time to deploy and attack a threat. Priced for volume distribution, the R500e can be mass deployed allowing broader reconnaissance and threat reduction for troops fighting the global war on terror, or those defending homelands from terrorists.

  Many robots available today are for highly specialized IED and EOD defeat applications. They are expensive and due to limited speed and run time, can rarely be used for the reconnaissance role that we designed for the R500e. The cost of such specialized robots prohibits their availability at the platoon and even the squad level. As a result, when threats are found, time is of the essence. Too often, operations must stop and wait until and EOD team can deploy to the location and launch a robot to investigate or eliminate the threat.

• Functionality
  With both high quality fixed and pan/tilt cameras, the operator can view the scene through the eyes of the robot, and in collaborative mode, share the real-time view with a partner. A Heads Up Display (HUD) is also a standard component of the R500e. With infrared capability, the operator can now see at night or in severe low light situations. Also standard is a video output feed capability that allows for taping the scene using video camcorders. This can be especially useful to law enforcement personnel as a means of recording criminal activity such as robberies or hostage situations.

  Heavy duty shock absorbers are designed to last for an extended period of time in the field, and provide the capability to carry a sizeable load. The foam-filled tires on these robots provide added grip and maneuverability, while the wide 18 inch (45 cm) wheel base provides added stability in rough terrain.

* Run time depends upon terrain and operator.

Photo Gallery

The R500e can function as a mechanical point man on patrol, working ahead of troops, seeking out danger. When it is found, it can then help to reduce the threat by deploying a charge up to 35 pounds on a disposable trailer.