| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2013.2 |
| Topic No.: |
N132-120 |
| Topic Title: |
Advanced Littoral Combat Ship Common Mission Module Handling Device |
| Proposal No.: |
N132-120-0741 |
| Firm: |
Advanced Technology & Research Corp.
6650 Eli Whitney Drive, Suite 400
Columbia, Maryland 21046-1701 |
| Contact: |
Tom Zhao |
| Phone: |
(443) 766-7978 |
| Web Site: |
www.atrcorp.com |
| Abstract: |
ATR proposes development of a Robotic Mission Module Handling System (RMMHS) to provide a highly adaptable and mobile handling device that is common to both LCS seaframes. The new system will serve as a replacement for the existing handling equipment for Mission Modules (MMs). The conceptual system takes advantage of ATR's recent work in robotic material handling and automation. The RMMHS is designed to address the challenges and limitations of existing handling equipment aboard the Freedom and Independence variants seaframes. This modular approach takes advantage of the structural strength of the TEU or flat rack to eliminate excess equipment weight while minimizing the deck space taken up by the handling system when not in use. The small size of the RMMHS allows the operator to address and transfer a MM from any deck arrangement with minimal clearance between neighboring modules or ship structure. The intuitive remote control operation of the RMMHS is expected to reduce crew training requirements. The RMMHS is also more cost-effective to operate compared to the existing material handling equipment on both LCS seaframes. |
| Benefits: |
The RMMHS is modular, highly maneuverable robotic lifters that provide versatile lifting capability and significantly enhance the efficiency of shipping container and flat rack transfer operations. Such compact and portable equipment would be particularly useful in conditions where containers or pieces of equipment are placed close together; need to be repositioned in small and confined areas that are not accessible to straddle carriers; or where an overhead gantry crane is unavailable. While this functionality would be developed to suit the LCS seaframes, it can be advantageous on other military ships or in Army or Marine logistics operations involving transfer of ISO containers in rugged environments. Lightweight handling equipment that is compatible with ISO commercial standards would also be well suited for the commercial shipping industry. The RMMHS could potentially be used on container ships or in austere shipping facilities. Other land-based applications could include warehouse operations and installation or reconfiguring of heavy manufacturing equipment. |