Design - Integration - Control
Law Enforcement, Fire, and Medical Emergency Service Systems
Introduction
The applications for both tele-operated and autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in law enforcement, fire-fighting and HAZMAT detection and mitigation are numerous and growing. UGVs replace humans doing some of the dull, dirty and dangerous tasks.
Tele-operated robots have been in use by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)/ Bomb Squads for many years. These robots come in various shapes and sizes with sensors for driving the vehicle, in some cases sensors for examining the suspicious object/package, and a disruption device. With our robotic vehicles, we can deliver a range of capabilities from large vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED) disruption, to riot control/crowd dispersal, to interior building reconnaissance with a miniaturized reconnaissance vehicle, to correctional facility perimeter security, to a cargo carrier for rural search and rescue teams. These vehicles can be tele-operated or autonomously controlled, or equipped with both control systems depending on user requirements.
In the field of HAZMAT detection and mitigation, our CBRN contamination detection and mitigation vehicle is ideally suited to either tele-operation or autonomous control HAZMAT contamination detection. Depending on the type of hazardous material encountered, the UGV can also deliver neutralizing chemicals prior to the introduction of HAZMAT mitigation personnel. The military Patrol Cargo Carrier, described under the “Military” tab above, is readily adaptable to hauling HAZMAT mitigation and fire-fighting equipment into areas not readily accessible by heavy vehicles. For information on the military variants, go to the Military section.
Because of the innovative control systems developed by PRS, any vehicle can be robotized. This section includes a system, developed for the RCMP, which is a standard vehicle equipped with an unmanned tele-operated remote control.
Systems
There are three areas of support that can be provided to first responders; Law Enforcement Systems, Perimeter Security Applications, and fire-fighting-related applications.
Law Enforcement Systems
Police Operations Support System (POSS) - The POSS is a derivative of the Dismounted Patrol Cargo Carrier (DPCC) concept (see under "Military" tab) conceived for the Canadian Army to carry the equipment of a dismounted combat engineer patrol. The POSS is based on the electric Argo Atlas J6 XTR™ (six wheels) and the Argo Atlas J8 XTR™ (eight-wheels) all-terrain unmanned ground vehicles. These vehicles can be equipped for follow-me, tele-operation, or autonomous operation. A GPS-denied environment navigation package is available as an option for vehicles that might be used in subway or mine tunnels. Both vehicles can be air-lifted by helicopter. Both vehicles can pull trailers to transport additional equipment, fuel, and supplies. - Remote Tactical Support System (RTSS) - Currently being used by the RCMP, the RTSS is a multi-purpose vehicle that can provide enhanced CBRN sensing capabilities, reduce the risk to first responders by enabling threats to be dealt with remotely, and deliver increased situational awareness in many different situations. Controlled by the PRS Advanced Robotic Intelligence System (ARIS), the RTSS can be operated from a safe distance for a multitude of missions including large vehicle IED disruption, CBRN detection and mapping, hostile target or venue surveillance, cargo and bomb technician transport, and other support activities. Sensor and video telemetry are relayed back to the operator over large distances (>1km line of sight), allowing authorities to formulate appropriate responses to a multitude of threats. Optional payloads such as a GPS for mapping, robotic arm for remote manipulation, and numerous other sensors can be added to augment the platform's capabilities. Based on the Polaris Ranger MVRS, the RTSS provides military and police explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) personnel with the largest towing and payload capacity, as well as the longest endurance of any counter-IED robotic platform available today.
Remote Crowd Dispersal System (RCDS) - Large and violent riots are one of the most dangerous situations a police force can face. In such situations it is essential that riot control personnel restore order with minimum casualties to both sides and minimal property damage. Heretofore, police forces have relied on a variety of means from mounted police, to tear gas, water cannons, and eventually moving cordons of officers in full riot gear dispersing the crowd and arresting perpetrators. We offer another solution - the RCDS, a tele-operated UGV equipped with a suite of sensors and non-lethal payloads to monitor and disperse rioters. The robot's cameras allow a remote operator to monitor crowd activities from a distance. A remote high-sensitivity microphone allows an operator to listen to the crowd and a loud hailer ensures messages and commands are heard and clearly understood. Should the situation deteriorate to a point where interdiction by the police is required, the RCDS can be used to employ a noise barrier system. The sound wave delivered acts as a behaviour-modifier and forces rioters to disperse. If that capability fails to achieve the desired result, the RCDS can deliver smoke, flash-bangs, stingballs, and tear gas from a tube-launched munitions system. Throughout the event, the RCDS enables police and first responders to maintain a safe standoff distance between themselves and the rioting crowd.
REMOTE CROWD DISPERSAL SYSTEM (RCDS) - Spec Sheet
Perimeter Security Systems
Perimeter security systems are adaptations of military UGVs that have application in the law enforcement, fire, and first responder communities.
- Perimeter Patrol System (PPS) - This system can provide the law enforcement, fire, and first responder community with a tele-operated platform that can be used in high-risk situations. It can provide the ability to observe and collect intelligence evolving incidents without putting personnel in harm's way. Based on the Perimeter Patrol System (PPS) under the "Security" tab, it can be equipped with an array of sensors from real-time video cameras with IR capability to specialized ion and heat-sensing systems.
Fire-Fighting and First Responder Systems
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Reconnaissance System (CBRNRS) - The key to containment and eventual mitigation of a CBRN event / HAZMAT incident is reconnaissance. Operated autonomously or by remote control, the CBRNRS is designed to reduce or eliminate the need to put humans into hot zones to determine the type and extent of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear contamination. Equipped with high-resolution electro-optical camera and IR illuminator for night operations, the CBRNRS integrates user-selected CBRN sensors that transmit detailed detection data and high quality imagery to the incident/military command post to enable identification of the contaminant, mapping of the contamination, decontamination planning, and the identification or creation of safe routes through contaminated areas. CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEM (CBRNRS) - Spec Sheet.
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Rural Search and Rescue Team Cargo Carrier Concept - Based on the military Dismounted Patrol Cargo Carrier Concept (DPCC), described under the “Military” tab above, is readily adaptable to hauling HAZMAT mitigation and fire-fighting equipment into areas not readily accessible by heavy vehicles. For information on the military variants, go to the Military section. - Mine Rescure Support System (MRSS) Proposal - The MRSS consists of a Rescue Reconnaissance Vehicle (RRV) based on the six wheel Argo Atlas XTR J6Tm and a Rescue Support Vehicle (RSV) based on the eight wheel Argo Atlas XTR J8Tm all terrain unmanned ground vehicles. Both vehicles can be equipped for follow-me, tele-operation, or autonomous operation. A GPS-denied environment navigation package is available as an option. Both vehicles can pull non-amphibious trailers.
The RRV is optimized to provide situational awareness and can be stationed underground so that it is immediately available for remote or autonomous dispatch to the site of an incident.
The RRV can be equipped with a variety of user-defined sensors and systems. Information from these systems can be transmitted to the Emergency Control Group allowing the Rescue Team to see the situation in advance.
The RSV with user-defined interchangeable payloads would remain on the surface with the Mine Rescue Team until needed. Based on the situational awareness provided by the RRV and the resulting rescue plan, the RSV can be configured with the appropriate payload and towed or driven to the level or tunnel where the incident has occurred. When operated autonomously, the RSV can ferry equipment or casualties without the need for an operator..