RE2 Inc. to develop dual-arm robotic controller for U.S. Navy

PITTSBURGH, Pa., 17 March 2011. RE2 Inc. won a three-year, $1.1 million contract with the Office of Naval Research to develop a dual-arm robotic controller for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations. Next-generation robotic systems will feature two dexterous arms with sensing, such as force feedback. The corresponding operator control station in integral to utilizing the advanced capabilities of these future manipulators effectively. RE2 plans to develop an innovative and comprehensive solution for intuitively controlling a next-generation, dual-manipulator robotic system.

"A robotic manipulator is only as effective as an operator's ability to control it," says Dr. Patrick Rowe, vice president of research and development for RE2. "Our goal for this program is to provide robot operators with the ability to perform sophisticated manipulation tasks that are leaps and bounds above the current state of the art."

"A user-friendly dual-armed robotic system is something that EOD operators have been requesting," notes Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2. "By winning this program, RE2 is able to utilize its robotic manipulation expertise to solve one of the industry's current technology challenges. In addition to developing a user-friendly robotic controller, this contract will enable the company to continue along its positive growth path and hire additional engineers to join our Pittsburgh-based operations."