The National Robotics Engineering Center is an operating unit within the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University. NREC works closely with government and industry clients to apply robotic technologies to real-world processes and products, including unmanned vehicle and platform design, autonomy, sensing and image processing, machine learning, manipulation, and human–robot interaction. NREC also works on STEM educational outreach through its Robotics Academy, which provides robotics curricula and software for K-12 and college-level students.
NREC Research Objectives and Approach
The NREC applies robotics technologies to build functional prototype systems. Sponsors and partners include industrial companies, technology startups, and federal agencies such as DARPA, the Department of Transportation, NASA, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. NREC's research model is based on:
Creative design and engineering on all levels, and across all disciplines
Rapid prototyping using in-house fabrication capabilities
Collaboration with sponsors to commercialize technology
NREC History
In 1994 the Field Robotics Center scientists realized that mobile robotics was a mature enough field for commercial application in agriculture, construction, mining, utilities, and other markets. Consequently, NREC was chartered in that year, as the National Robotics Engineering Consortium, to develop and transition robotic technology to industry and federal agencies. Original funding for the center included a $3M grant from NASA. In 1996, the organization moved to its current facility in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood and was renamed the National Robotics Engineering Center. NREC is housed in a renovated, 100-year-old foundry building on a reclaimed industrial brownfield site.
CHIMP is a human-sized robot that, when standing, is 5-foot-2-inches tall and weighs about 400 pounds. Tartan Rescue Team engineers designed CHIMP to work in dangerous, degraded environments that were built for people, not robots. CHIMP operates semi-autonomously and can plan and carry out high-level instructions given by its operator. Its near-human form, strength, precision, and dexterity enable it to perform complex, human-level tasks. CHIMP is not a dynamically balanced walking robot. Instead, it is designed to move on stable, tank-like treads incorporated into its four limbs. When it needs to operate power tools, turn valves, or otherwise use its arms, CHIMP can stand and roll on its leg treads. The robot’s long front arms give it an ape-like appearance. CHIMP ranked third in the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials in December, 2013. Scoring 18 out of a possible 32 points during the two-day trials, the team demonstrated the system's ability to perform such tasks as removing debris, opening doors, cutting a hole in a wall, and closing a series of valves. The system was selected as one of nine eligible for DARPA funding to prepare for the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals in 2015.
Carnegie Mellon University's Tartan Racing Team and General Motors built an autonomous SUV that won first place in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. The Urban Challenge race was held on November 3, 2007 at the Victorville training facility in California. Eleven teams competed against each other to finish a 60-mile city course in less than six hours. Their vehicles had to execute simulated missions in a mock urban area while obeying traffic laws, safely merging into moving traffic, navigating traffic circles, negotiating busy intersections, and avoiding other vehicles – all without human intervention.
Automation and machine learning for agriculture
Vehicle Safeguarding
Orchard Spraying
Defense robotics for convoy safety
NREC and Oshkosh Defense are developing autonomous unmanned ground vehicle technologies for logistics tactical wheeled vehicles used by the US Marine Corps. CARGO Unmanned Ground Vehicles are designed for autonomous use in convoys that combine manned and unmanned vehicles. An operator in another vehicle supervises one or more unmanned vehicles, which drive autonomously in convoy formation day and night, in all weather, and when dust and smoke limit visibility. Technologies developed under this project are part of Oshkosh Defense’s TerraMax™ UGV kit, which supports unmanned convoy operations.
''Sensabot''
Sensabot is a rugged robot designed to safely carry out on-site inspections in hazardous environments, isolated facilities, and other places that are difficult or dangerous for personnel to access. Benefits include reduced risk and improved efficiency of operation. The system features a mobile robotic base with a sensor boom tipped with inspection sensors. It can operate in extreme temperatures and explosive and toxic atmospheres. A human operator remotely operates the robot, and uses its sensors to inspect pipes, fittings, and valves. Sensabot is designed to meet IECEx Zone 1 standards for explosive environments and ANSI safety standards for guided industrial vehicles.
Advanced Robotic Laser Coating Removal System (ARLCRS)
The Advanced Robotic Laser Coating Removal System uses a powerful laser stripping tool and state-of-the-art mobile robots to automatically remove paint and coatings from aircraft. The complete system is scalable for use from fighters to cargo and tanker aircraft. ARLCRS will reduce hazardous waste, air emissions, maintenance costs, and processing time. CTC is developing the laser coatings removal and particle capture systems. NREC is developing the mobile robots, sensors, and autonomy system.
NREC has worked with coal mining industry partners to develop operator assistance technology for longwall mining. This includes a complete navigation system for a continuous mining machine, laser rangefinder-based perception for robot localization, planning for cluttered spaces, and integration and simulation tools. This system was successfully demonstrated in a working mine in West Virginia. Related research and objectives include automated mine surveying, haulage and multiple-machine interaction.
Commitment to Education
The Robotics Academy is an educational outreach of Carnegie Mellon University, and part of the university's Robotics Institute. In 2000, the Robotics Academy became housed at NREC's facilities. The Robotics Academy is committed to using the motivational effects of robotics to excite students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
