Update on the Demo III Program -- July 2000
IVsource.net
18 August 2000


Demo III program engineers are currently very active in preparing for "Demo Bravo" at Fort Knox, Kentucky this October.

According to Jay Kurtz, Autonomous Mobility technical lead for prime contractor General Dynamics Robotic Systems, the vehicles have reached a high level of intelligence in scene understanding and maneuvering. 

Here are some specifics as reported to IVsource.net of late:

  • Stereo FLIR, laser rangefinding, and color video image processing are running well -- at targeted performance levels
  • The sensor suite and associated processing is successfully performing terrain classification
  • The system can now create elevation maps, and thus build a 3D representation of the environment
  • With the above capabilities, the AM suite is now very robust in detecting both positive and negative obstacles
  • Work on the 2 GHz foliage-penetrating radar is temporarily on hold
While on-road operations have not been tested yet, Kurtz is confident that the functions supporting off-road operations will do a good job of handling roadway conditions such as road following, detection of other vehicles, and intelligent maneuvering.  "With processing based on a 3-D representation of the scene, we feel our road following, in particular, is very strong," says Kurtz.

** NOTE: Demo Bravo will be held for military officials during October 13-26.  Currently, the Army does not plan to open the demonstration to non-military observers.  However, if there is enough interest, it's possible that a demo opportunity can be worked out for the transportation community.  Contact IVsource.net if you are interested (and cross your fingers!).

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