The Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center
The Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center (ISRC) inside the Sandia National Laboratories is responsible for developing various technologies in order to execute a vast array of tasks, including defense manufacturing, materials handling, and environmental remediation up to combat zone applications.
The ISRC also designs and creates mobile robotics systems, with tasks built to carry out dangerous missions or operations that are deemed difficult or perilous for humans to undertake.
Helping the ISRC is Sandia National Lab, which is directly involved in developing the “brain” or the software for the center’s robotic systems. The lab also helped the ISRC by creating the eyes or sensors, and integrating it with the hardware and mechanical components. This includes not only micromachines, but also macro-sized automated systems in order to create the robotic systems and make them fully functional.
The center is the leader in developing and creating miniature and macro-sized teleoperated and autonomous vehicles which can be used for military and industrial applications. They also research unique and intelligent mobile systems that are applicable for such tasks as environmental clean-ups and battlefield applications.
Among the many projects that the ISRC have developed includes the ARMMS, short for Accident Response Mobile Manipulator System, which is aimed towards helping people, especially in high risk or dangerous missions like recovering hazardous materials.
This sophisticated response unit helps in salvage and recovery efforts of people, putting them away from harm’s way. Equipped with driving cameras and Portable Integrated Video Systems, this machine can be driven like a regular Humvee, which is also the basic platform. It is equipped with a one meter accuracy GPS, Two Schilling Titanium Manipulator arms, and computer controlled manipulator arm operation.
Other projects that the ISRC have successfully developed are the Dixie, the Fire Ant, Hoppers, MARV, Marvin, M2,the Mine Robot, Perimeter Detection, RATLERTM, Fuel Cell RATLERTM, SandDragon robot, SARGE, Small Smart Machines, and the Swarm robot.
With more than 26 years of experience combined with their various projects, which includes successful projects involving designing, developing and delivering complex automated systems, the Center continues to respond to the challenges impacting the country’s security and economic competitiveness.
With the opening of Sandia’s newest state-of-the-art facilities, industries involved in manufacturing, environmental cleanup, arms productions, as well as others that have automation needs, will surely benefit from its research and projects.
