The Multi Function Agile Remote-Controlled Robot, or the MARCBOT, is a small robotic platform aimed at inspection of suspicious objects during IED Sweeps. IED, or an improvised explosive device (IED) is a bomb partially comprised of conventional military explosives, such as an artillery round, attached to a detonating mechanism.  IEDs may be used in terrorist actions or in unconventional warfare by guerrillas or commando forces in a theater of operations.  The MARCBOT is provided as a remote inspection platform allowing soldiers to achieve stand-off & remote observation at distances greater than 100 meters when trying to determine if an object is an IED.

As a key component integrated into the MARCBOT, the ACTi IP camera, model ACM-1311N, with low-light image sensor and LED arrays helps to provide real time video feeds back to the operator of the MARCBOT, even during nighttime missions.  With the Pan/Tilt and height adjust mechanism of the MARCOBT, the ACTi IP camera can be extended nearly four feet in the air and maneuvered to look into cans and over burlap sacks. With the efficient MPEG-4 encoding on the ACTi IP camera and the SoC based processor, clear video can be streamed wirelessly to the operator.

 

 

 

System Architecture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images Retrieved From:

 

1.http://www.defense.gov/news/Aug2005/20050812164759_marcbot.jpg

2.http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2744774490_75d6986bce_o.jpg

3.http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/18/marcbot1.jpg

4.http://exponentwc.staged.hubbardone.com/files/Uploads/Images/Client_Center/marcbot.jpg

5.http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/images/MARCbot-IV.jpg 

 

 

References: 

 

1.Wikipedia, (2009). Improvised explosive device

[online].Available:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Improvised_explosive_device

[accessed on 16/02/09]

 

2.IED ROBOT.COM, (2009). About the MARCbot [online]. Available:http://www.iedrobot.com/marcbot/marcbotindex.htm [accessed on 16/02/09]

3.Sofia Sanchez, (2009), Command Assesses Robot to Help Save Soldiers' Lives[online]. Available: http://www.defenselink.mil/transformation/articles/2005-01/ta012505a.html [accessed on 16/02/09]

4.Exponent, (2009),MARCbot Overview [online].Available:http://www.exponent.com/marcbot_product/ [accessed on 16/02/09]

5.U.S. Army Pfc. Matthew, (2009), Tiny Robot Carries Big Responsibility in Iraq Clifton [online]. Available:http://www.defenselink.mil/transformation/articles/2005-09/ta091405a.html [accessed on 16/02/09]