Oceaneering’s debuts new low-cost robotic manipulator

Oceaneering International, Inc. announced on July 21 that the Terabot S, its new low-cost, easy to use, robotic manipulator, which can be used for explosive ordinance disposal, will be on display at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Conference in Washington, DC, August 15-19, 2011.

The new electric robotic manipulator and controller will be part of Mesa Robotics, Inc.’s exhibit area, and integrated onto a Mesa Matilda XL robotic platform. The environmentally-sealed manipulator is designed for both military and civilian markets, and is capable of handling a 20-pound payload. Other features such as joint overload clutches are included for extreme durability and robustness.  

The robot and controller service a wide range of applications and platforms at an affordable purchase price and operational cost, says a news release issued by the company. The 5 degree-of-freedom manipulator weighs only 22 pounds and has a reach of 40 inches. The system is optimized for low power consumption and can be used on a variety of small mobile platforms to perform dexterous operations including explosive ordinance disposal, hazardous survey/clean-up, and inspection operations. 

The manipulator is controlled by a spatially correspondent (SC) master controller, which allows the user to have precise control of the manipulator with minimal training. The SC master controller is a small-scale version of the manipulator. As the operator physically moves and repositions the controller, the robot precisely mimics those movements on a larger scale. This intuitive interface minimizes training and allows the user to focus on the job at hand, not the robotic system.

The manipulator can be controlled from other host systems via a standard serial data link if desired. Full absolute encoding ensures the manipulator continually tracks its position, even after an overload event – thereby eliminating the need for power-up homing.

End-of-arm tooling is attached using a manual quick release system, which allows fast and easy tool change-out prior to each mission. A 2-jaw gripper is included as an option. Other custom tooling options, such as cutters, drills and digging implements are available at the user’s request.  Users may also choose to mount their own tooling or sensors to a compatible quick release tool interface plate. 

Mike Bloomfield, former NASA astronaut and vice president and general manager of Oceaneering Space Systems, said, “As robots are being asked to perform more and more critical and hazardous operations in the battlefield, cleanup sites, and other hazardous locations, we are excited to offer the Terabot S, our most user-friendly, lowest-cost, and most-tolerant manipulator.”

A prototype Terabot S system was demonstrated at the 2010 U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) Robotics Rodeo in Ft. Benning, GA.

Oceaneering is a global oilfield provider of engineered services and products primarily to the offshore oil and gas industry, with a focus on deepwater applications. Through the use of its applied technology expertise, Oceaneering also serves the defense and aerospace industries.