ABOUT OMNITECH ROBOTICS

Omnitech Robotics International, LLC (ORILLC) is in the business of developing and manufacturing robotic components, controls, and systems for unmanned ground vehicles and broad-based automation. Our strengths are in the design, manufacture and support of modular embedded control components for converting any ground vehicle to remote control, teleoperated control, or semi-autonomous control. These components are typically added to existing manned vehicles using robotic conversion kits, or appliqué robotic controls. Currently, approximately 90% of our sales are military related, and our primary customers are the US Army, USMC, and DARPA. ORILLC has developed and fielded over 70 unmanned ground vehicle systems, many of which are operational in conflict zones like Bosnia and Kosovo.

Omnitech's STS and the fourth-generation SRS are modular kits of robotic controls for converting any vehicle to unmanned operation. Omnitech's STS/SRS kits adapt to wheeled vehicles and skid-steered (tracked) vehicles. STS/SRS controls permit normal (or manual) vehicle operation and unmanned operation with the flip of a switch. The "strap-on" kit concept supports conversion of vehicles currently in the inventory and provides for immediate unmanned application of vehicles procured for "off-the-shelf."

STS/SRS controls suit many types and classes of vehicles, such as:

• Tractors,
• M60 Panther and M1 Panther II tanks,
• High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles,
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and
• Forklifts. 

Fielded countermine applications include, but are not limited to:

• Mine detection,
  
• Mine neutralization,
  
• Mine detonation,
  
• Mine clearing, and
  
• route proofing.

Presently, several STS-equipped M60 Panther tanks (the Panther designation refers to a tank without a turret used in mine-clearing operations) are assigned for mine-clearing missions in both Bosnia and Kosovo. The value of STS to the US military was emphatically demonstrated in May 1997 when 71 antipersonnel landmines were detonated in just two days. US troops are thrilled with STS because they can perform their jobs safely while using teleoperated M60 Panther tanks.

In addition to basic teleoperation, advanced features such as the Compact Outdoor Multipurpose POSE (Position and Orientation Estimation) Assessment Sensing System (COMPASS) and the Modular Autonomous Robotic System (MARS) can be incorporated with STS/SRS.

Omnitech has demonstrated its leadership in teleoperated and autonomous robotic vehicle systems, components, and applications, and now is in a position to transition many of these technologies that were developed for military applications to the commercial sector. This process will dramatically accelerate the maturation of the commercial robotic vehicles industry, since Omnitech will “hit the ground running” as a result of its rich history and experience.

Omnitech has proven core competencies in the following areas:

• Embedded controls, including precision motion control and electromechanical systems
  
• Interdisciplinary knowledge of all aspects of robotic systems
  
• Manufacturing of precision electronics, sheet metal, and machined components
  
• Robotic systems, components, and controls technology research and development
  
• Systems Engineering and Systems Integration