V-Bat, an autonomous UAV with a vision-driven robotic arm funded by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), successfully completed its tests. Its robotic arm is capable of carrying up to 1 pound.
The UAV’s vision system, coupled with GPS, identifies the position of the target relative to its hovering position in real-time. The UAV searches, finds the target, and engages in action using its robotic arm.
The image shows the UAV’s arm advancing into the air while the vehicle is hovering.
Capabilities and Applications
Its precision emplacement technology will be useful for the precise, long-range delivery of small payloads to places that are hard to reach by humans. This will further increase the capabilities of future unmanned aerial vehicles.
The vehicle’s arm extends up to 6 feet with a 1-pound payload. The V-Bat is built by the MLB Company and was demonstrated successfully by them. The V-Bat is capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL).
Once the object is delivered, the robotic arm retracts, and the UAV disengages. In the demonstration, the UAV autonomously handled a one-pound payload.
Credits: DARPA
