Automated Ground Systems Use in the Search for Lewis and Clark Expedition Historical Artifact AUVSI 2002 Program Category: Operations

摘要

The Air Force Research Laboratory Force Protection Branch Robotics Group hasrnperformed research relative to the location of subsurface targets. The primary interest in thisrntechnology has been the recovery of Unexploded Ordnance. Recently, a novel request made byrnan archeologist from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center extended the utility of these systemsrnbeyond their intended scope.rnAn artifact, known as the Experiment from the famed 1803 Lewis and Clark Expedition,rnwas deemed a new target for the robotic survey systems. Captain Meriwether Lewis’ iron boatrnframe, also known as the Experiment, is a national artifact representative of one of the mostrnsignificant achievements in the history of the United States. Recent research as to the location ofrnthe Experiment led to a site just outside of Great Falls, Montana.rnTwo semi-autonomous robotic systems surveyed approximately 30 acres during thernperiod of September 10 through September 14, 2001. These robotic systems, employingrnidentical control software and hardware on very different mobility platforms, proved efficientrnand dependable. The transition of military technologies to other areas of research is critical tornunderstanding the complete problem space associated with ground robotics.