N6833524C0305

Small Technology Transfer Research Program (STTR) Phase I

SEABOTIX: Seabed Autonomous Bot for Offshore Terrain Investigations and eXploration

Soft Robot for Locomotion in Granular Seabed Media

Burrowing through granular substrates presents significant challenges due to the need to overcome highly resistive forces and navigate complex terradynamic interactions. While there have been notable advancements in research, the development of a small-scale, self-contained, and autonomous underground exploratory robot remains elusive in both military and commercial markets. To address this critical unmet need with immense military and industrial potential nou Systems, Inc., technology innovators in Huntsville Alabama, has formed a strong strategic alliance with developers of bio-inspired burrowing robots, and stimuli-responsive material experts to develop SEABOTIX. SEABOTIX is a subaquatic biologically inspired robot with highly efficient multi-media locomotion capabilities. The two primary challenges of an untethered platform are self-contained power and autonomy. Leveraging prior and on-going work by the project team, SEABOTIX offers an optimally engineered solution to both of these challenges resulting in effective seabed exploration that significantly exceeds ONR's threshold objectives within a low SWaP-C, highly scalable platform. The Phase I work will focus on analysis and controlled laboratory demonstrations to refine our approach. Phase II will fabricate a self-contained SEABOTIX prototype and conduct predefined missions in a representative environment. Phase III will focus on scaling our robot to swarm levels, resulting in the most benefit to the DON, and in countless industrial and civilian applications.

The goal of phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D efforts and determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization. STTRs are completed in conjunction with a research institution.

Arizona State University

N24A-T017

N24A-T017-0090

24.A

Thomas N Mckenna