Mwrf 11959 Promo Darpa2
Mwrf 11959 Promo Darpa2
Mwrf 11959 Promo Darpa2
Mwrf 11959 Promo Darpa2
Mwrf 11959 Promo Darpa2

DARPA Goes Fishing with Angler Program

Nov. 19, 2019
DARPA’s Angler program is fishing for an autonomous robot capable of moving objects in deep-sea waters without navigation guidance from GPS.

In pursuit of advanced underwater robotic systems, DARPA awarded six contracts for its Angler program for the development of deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The program seeks to leverage technology improvements in unmanned area vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in undersea vehicles capable of operating without human control and without GPS guidance available to UAVs and UGVs. The program is part of a global trend to increase the use of robotic systems in military activities, eventually achieving autonomous operation with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Angler program is divided into two tracks—A and B. Three companies were awarded contracts for Track A, which is focused on developing an integrated solution for all operating areas of the program: Leidos, Northrop Grumman, and L3-Harris. Contracts for Track B, aimed at developing solutions for the fields of navigation, autonomy, and perception, were awarded to SoarTech, EdgeTech, and Kitware.

This artist’s conception shows a possible result of DARPA’s Angler program for the development of autonomous undersea vehicles that can navigate without GPS guidance. (Courtesy of DARPA)

Along with complementing existing robotic capabilities of UAVs in the air and UGVs on the ground, DARPA expects many benefits from the program, including the capability to achieve long-duration navigation and autonomy without GPS or surface-based communications links. DARPA also hopes the program will provide an autonomous undersea robotic system capable of deep-sea manipulation of objects and perception systems, aiding in the ability to “see” and grasp deep-sea objects even in degraded undersea environments.

Sponsored Recommendations

Frequency Modulation Fundamentals

March 14, 2024
The development of crystal-clear FM communications was an innovation of genius and toil. Utilized today in applications such as radar, seismology, telemetry and two-way radios...

44 GHz Programmable Signal Generator

March 14, 2024
The Mini-Circuits SSG-44G-RC is a 0.1 to 44 GHz signal source with an RF output range of -40 to +17 dBm with fine resolution. This model supports CW and pulsed (? 0.5 ?s) outputs...

50W SSPA with Built-In Signal Source & Control

March 14, 2024
The RFS-2G42G5050X+ takes Mini-Circuits robust line of solid state, connectorized, high-power amplifiers for RF energy to a new level by integrating the versatility of a signal...

Webinar: Introduction to OTA Measurement for mmWave and Sub-THz

Feb. 19, 2024
Join Jeanmarc Laurent, a leading expert from MilliBox, for an exclusive live webinar showcasing a complete Over-the-Air (OTA) testing system setup. In this immersive session, ...