ROBOTS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Since the beginnings of civilisation man has had a fascination for a human-like creation that would assist him. Man had discovered mechanics and the means of creating complex mechanisms which would perform repetitive functions. Technological advances were slow but there were more complex machines, generally limited to a very small number, which performed more grandiose functions such as those invented by Hero of Alexandria. We are interested in achievement associated with the construction of military robots, space robots, medical robots, etc.

Helicopter-robot sighting dropped cargo parachute




JPADS saves lives of pilots, typically at risk in the supply of goods army units on the front (photo by Lockheed Martin).

To deliver medicines, food or ammunition, without human intervention - in a fully autonomous mode - and throw them at a given point location is now possible with the development of companies Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace.

Combined high-precision landing system (Joint Precision Airdrop Systems - JPADS) created on the basis Kaman K-MAX, ability to lift loads of about 3 tons (sea level).

But the helicopter rare, by the way, such as partners turned into an unmanned robot.This unit acts as a remote control and autonomously, referring to the testimony of satellite navigation. By the drones have added rope with four driven hooks. For each can be hung on one box with one-time Army cargo parachute, worth only $ 375. Such parachutes (withstands up to 270 kg), and now American troops are used in hot spots of relief supplies, but so far only manned spacecraft.

JPADS same program can deliver the boxes to the desired location and release up to four different loads individually (including - at various points), and almost simultaneously, with heights of 90-120 meters. Such a device instead of a landing vehicle for unloading should improve survival drone in combat conditions.



The test system consisted of 11 flights, was successfully held in late April in Bloomfield, in Kaman. It engineers from two aerospace companies aided by specialists from the U.S. Army research center in Natick (NSRDEC), who stated that "the results exceeded expectations" (photo by Lockheed Martin).

Future tests JPADS, Lockheed Martin said in a press release will include the dumping of goods from bolshih heights and coordinated action of several robots in a converted K-MAX.