Robot Vision System for Precise Object Retrieval in Unmanned Systems

Automating large-scale material handling systems that involve picking up or retrieving items via cranes or robot arms can yield big benefits, particularly in harsh or hard-to-access environments. The Automatic Launch & Recovery System (AutoLARS) is being developed for the U.S. Navy by Allied Systems and Concept Systems. The Navy required a system for retrieving unmanned vessels and placing them aboard Navy ships. The problem is how to guide a robot that is affixed to a ship so that it can attach a line or fixture to an unmanned floating vehicle, and how to accomplish this while both are tossing at sea.