Remotec, a subsidiary of leading military and aerospace firm Northrop Grumman, recently unveiled the latest addition to their line of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). The Nomad is unique in that its wide range of applications might actually be realized by more users than any of its predecessors because of a lower price point. Northrop Grumman is the largest provider of ground robots to the U.S. first responder market, and their UGVs are used by all branches of the U.S. military.
The Nomad is compliant with The Interoperability Profile (IOP), which is a Department of Defense initiative focused on establishing UGV standards. Compliance involved upgrading the vehicle’s software, and hardware interfaces are simplified and less expensive. The same can said in updating sensors for tracking payloads and in acquiring data on exploratory or search and rescue missions.
The Nomad weighs 164 pounds and measures 35-1/2” long, 23” wide and 26” or 42” high, depending on whether or not the mast is fully extended. The vehicle’s manipulator arm has a lifting capacity of 15 pounds and encompasses a variety of twisting and turning capabilities that expand its potential uses. Additionally, four independent track pods help ensure mobility and stability when traversing uneven terrain, obstacles, or inclines up to 60 degrees.
While all these performance features are impressive, what could be the Nomad’s most endearing benefit is its updateable nature. Open-source software helps quell one cost concern, and Northrup Grumman’s ability to implement legacy manufacturing practices helps keep development costs at bay, which leads to lower consumer prices. With applications ranging from military to community safety, the ability for more private businesses and government agencies to afford such a tool could be pivotal in continuing to advance autonomous technology.
