Uncrewed Systems Technology 044 l Xer Technolgies X12 and X8 l Lidar sensors l Stan UGV l USVs insight l AUVSI Xponential 2022 l Cobra Aero A99H l Accession Class USV l Connectors I Oceanology International 2022

The main PC is a rugged embedded computer built around an Intel i7 6700 TE CPU 56 Digest | Stanley Robotics Stan UGV “We are constantly recouping energy through the regenerative braking. At peak we can regenerate a total of 700 A, or around 30 kW. “We send speed commands from the main PC to the Curtis inverter, and make sure those are as smooth as possible so as not to waste battery life with unnecessary spikes. The inverter draws current from the battery or the motor/ generator depending on whether the speed command is asking for acceleration, deceleration or cruise control.” Intensive fine-tuning of the regenerative braking has been critical for optimising the battery’s energy efficiency and endurance as well as the handling of the UGV. All the braking is performed electromagnetically through the motor/ generator, without any conventional shoes, pads or pumps installed. A mechanical brake is installed at the motor level solely for the emergency stop functionality, and this can also be remotely activated if a Stanley Robotics technician observes a technical issue or is notified by a customer of one. “We’re very satisfied with this braking concept, and the motor power works fine at 48 V, but if we increase the speed and payload capacity of future Stans, we might need to go to higher voltage architectures,” Trouble says. “It’s just a bit of a pain to make that leap, because of the changes it will entail for maintenance and installation requirements.” Stan 2.0 Stanley Robotics now has several British and French customers, and more recently it has partnered with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to develop its business throughout Japan and Asia. “We want to move into the US next, but the main challenge there is that many American vehicles are bigger and heavier than European and Asian cars,” Boussard says. “The Ford F-150 is a big problem in this regard, and it’s really popular throughout the States.” To handle these vehicles, the next generations of the Stan will be designed with different platforms and more powerful drivetrains. Some structural updates might also be necessary for enhanced load-bearing, longevity and synchronicity with available parts for maintenance in the US. As mentioned, these future versions will also incorporate new products such as solid-state Lidar and new GPU models as they come out. The company also anticipates its ground infrastructure either evolving or right-sizing in the future. For instance, mesh radio networks between Stans could enhance the range and fidelity of fleet comms, and reduce the need for stationary repeater installations. Being a robot designed around complementing the automotive industry, trends in that industry such as the growing popularity of SUVs, and large, heavy EVs with lower ground clearances, will push future designs towards thinner and more robust platforms. However, faster, more energy-efficient Stans with higher carrying capacities will still be key as this translates to more parking work carried out per hour and per kilowatt recharged. Powertrain innovations will therefore remain a priority, and Stanley’s engineers hope to double the Stan’s operating and maximum speeds in the near future. June/July 2022 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Stan UGV All-electric powertrain SLAM navigation Maximum length: 5.9 m Minimum length: 4.4 m Width: 2 m Height: 1.74 m Kerb weight: 1.8 t Carrying capacity: 2.6 t Maximum driving speed: 3 m/s (10.8 kph) Endurance between charges: 11 hours Some key suppliers UGV manufacturing and consultation: IMECA/Start2Prod Batteries: E4V Inverters: Curtis Instruments Cable harnesses: Genaris Groupe Electric actuators: Thomson Linear Pneumatic actuators: Socafluid SAS GNSS: Trimble IMUs: Trimble CPUs: Intel Wi-fi: Acksys Lidar: Velodyne Specifications