MOBILITY ENGINEERING Produced by SAE Media Group
MOBILITY ENGINEERING
Magazines
Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Magazine cover

Current Issue

Archives

Power for Micro Autonomous Systems

Basic power requirements for mobile microsystems, such as autonomous robots, are examined.

The Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST) Collaborative Technology Alliance (CTA) has been initiated to spur basic research in small autonomous robots, particularly in four main areas: Microsystem Mechanics, Autonomous Processing, Micro electronics, and Integration. In order to focus its efforts, the Army proposed multiple scenario missions of increasing difficulty to work towards: small unit building search (flat, straight walls, no wind, etc.), a small unit cave search (potential for wind gusts, no regular surfaces to use as reference points), and perimeter defense (longer required mission time, and range and potentially harsh environments). The size ranges considered were defined as “palm-size” and below, where no lower limit was specified.

MAST Power Survey early results. Voltage and power values areplotted, showing scattered power conversion specifications. Theseresults pose a challenging design problem, where traditionally subgramspecifications were not a requirement. However, completelyautonomous platforms with minimal intelligence are feasible.
The development of micro autonomous systems faces numerous technical hurdles. Beyond fundamental questions regarding locomotion at small scales, and cooperative group behaviors, there are ever-increasing needs for efficiency and power as each additional function on the system will require a finite amount of energy to execute its task. The needs for various locomotion modalities, as well as system sizes, are compared with existing or emerging power sources to determine feasibility.

The basic scenario is assumed to be a small building unit search, particularly emblematic of Operation Iraqi Freedom. By sending in a robotic platform, fundamental information about the current state of the building can be ascertained before soldiers are placed in harm’s way. The soldiers’ concept of how best to use such systems would likely include separate and distinct periods of locomotion and surveillance/ data sensing. For example, the robot would initially fly/crawl to a corner of a room, then stop and sense the surrounding environment. Upon sensing an “interesting” event, or after being given a command, the robot would stop sensing and locomote to a new position for a different view of the situation. Therefore, the hypothetical mission posed here is assumed to last about 21 minutes, divided among three perch locations of five minutes each, with about two minutes of ambulation/flying between perch locations. This leads to a minimum MAST system requirement of six minutes of crawling/flying, with an additional 15 minutes of sensing duties. Soldiers did indicate a desire for mission durations up to and exceeding 24 hours, the majority of which would be in the sensing/perched mode where the power draw is widely variable depending on the sensors being used.

While this 24-hour goal is not addressed in this report, techniques such as low sampling rates, reduced communications, and sleep modes should enable longer missions with little impact on the overall energy requirement.

This work was done by Brian Morgan and Sarah Bedair of the Army Research Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.defensetechbriefs.com/tsp  under the Physical Sciences category. ARL-0085

Topics:
Automation Logistics Mobility Physical Sciences Research and development Robotics Sensors and actuators
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Document cover
Power for Micro Autonomous Systems

(reference ARL-0085) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

Don't have an account?

More From SAE Media Group

    Magazine cover
    Defense Tech Briefs Magazine

    This article first appeared in the February, 2010 issue of Defense Tech Briefs Magazine (Vol. 4 No. 1).

    Read more articles from this issue here.

    Read more articles from the archives here.

    Overview

    The "Power for Microsystems Strategic Technology Initiative Report on MAST Mission Power Requirements" is a comprehensive analysis authored by Brian Morgan and Sarah Bedair, published by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in July 2009. The report addresses the critical power requirements for Micro Autonomous Systems (MAS) within the context of military applications, particularly focusing on the challenges and solutions related to energy efficiency and power sourcing for these advanced technologies.

    The document begins with an introduction that outlines the mission definition and the significance of power in the development of micro autonomous systems. It highlights the increasing complexity of these systems, which necessitates a greater demand for energy as they incorporate more functions and capabilities. The report emphasizes that efficient power management is essential for the successful operation of these microsystems, especially in military scenarios where performance and reliability are paramount.

    Subsequent sections delve into various aspects of the report. The authors discuss locomotion options for meso- to millimeter-scale devices, exploring different modalities that can be employed for movement. This section is crucial as it sets the stage for understanding how power requirements vary with different locomotion strategies.

    The report also reviews potential electronic and sensor payloads that can be integrated into these microsystems. This analysis is vital for assessing the overall energy consumption of the systems and determining the feasibility of various power sources.

    A significant portion of the report is dedicated to examining available power options and their limitations. The authors compare existing and emerging power sources, evaluating their suitability for powering mobile microsystems in military missions. This section provides insights into the trade-offs between power capacity, weight, and efficiency, which are critical for the design and deployment of these technologies.

    Finally, the report outlines future directions and areas for further research, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to overcome the identified power challenges. The findings aim to guide the development of more efficient and capable micro autonomous systems, ultimately enhancing the operational effectiveness of military missions.

    In summary, this report serves as a foundational document for understanding the power dynamics of micro autonomous systems, offering valuable insights into their design, functionality, and potential applications in military contexts.

    Top Stories

    INSIDERDefense

    Feature Image F-35 Proves Nuke Drop Performance in Stockpile Flight Testing

    INSIDERMaterials

    Feature Image Using Ultrabright X-Rays to Test Materials for Ultrafast Aircraft

    INSIDERManufacturing & Prototyping

    Feature Image Stevens Researchers Test Morkovin's Hypothesis for Major Hypersonic Flight...

    INSIDERManufacturing & Prototyping

    Feature Image New 3D-Printable Nanocomposite Prevents Overheating in Military Electronics

    INSIDERRF & Microwave Electronics

    Feature Image L3Harris Starts Low Rate Production Of New F-16 Viper Shield

    INSIDERRF & Microwave Electronics

    Feature Image F-22 Pilot Controls Drone With Tablet

    Webcasts