The KNIGHT EOD mobile robot is based on a very steady and hassle-free
all-terrain platform that climbs steep hills and stairs and maneuvers in all
types of weather, including snow up to 8in (200mm) in depth. Both RF and
fiber-optic communication devices can be simultaneously installed.
The KNIGHT's manipulator-arm is one of the finest in the industry. Capable
of lifting 165lbs (75kg) at full extension with no backlash, the arm is both
powerful and precise. Multiple dual-axis joysticks allow ergonomic, infinitely
precise, and simultaneous control of each individual joint.
Since each axis' speed is joystick-controlled, coordinated multi-axis motion
is easily accomplished, allowing the operator to easily and instinctively
operate both the arm and the robot.
A top-notch electronics package provides:
Dual
and redundant communication (fiber switches to RF if fiber gets cut)
Eight 24-VDC weapons circuits
(computer controlled and redundantly safe)
Eight 24-VDC accessory circuits
(controlled by dedicated toggle-switches)
Three permanent cameras
(surveillance, gripper and drive)
Four re-locatable camera ports,
all of which can be simultaneously mounted
Three permanently-integrated
sensor ports (OCU digital readouts and alarms)
On-board system diagnostics and
user-calibrateable joysticks
Two-way audio
A/V
recording jacks on OCU
BENEFITS:
The KNIGHT uses a very stable all-terrain platform that lets the operator focus on the mission and not just the maneuvering of the robot. The KNIGHT does not need or have articulating tracks, which are mostly a nuisance anyway. The low center of gravity lets the operator just "drive" the robot.
The seven joints in the arm, combined with the strength and precision (backlash free) allow the operator to use the arm in new ways, such as lifting the front of the chassis over an object or to reach a higher object. Full recoil disrupters and shotguns pose no problem for repeated use on this arm. Also, the arm can support and hold live video X-ray systems in positions required for baggage inspection, even when on the baggage rollers at an airport.
The KNIGHT robot's Operator Control Unit (OCU) is optimized for use in a dedicated IED or EOD response vehicle, and as such allows for the most ergonomic and instinctual use.
Each manipulator arm joint, the surveillance arm & camera, and chassis maneuvering is done with dedicated joysticks axis, so you don't have to switch modes for a particular function.
Each arm joint has a dedicated amplifier ties to its corresponding joystick axis, so each joint has its own joystick actuated speed/power control: Move the joystick a little, and you get slow & gentle motion; movet he joystick a little more and you get more and more speed and power; move the joystick to it's max, and you get full speed and maximum power.
Each relay switch is dedicated to one channes, so it is easy to label and conrol every accessory or laser.
Pan & Tilt camera has a dedicated joystick for Pan & Tilt. Zoom, Focus, & Iris control can be shared to control any permanent or relocatable camera that has those features by selecting the active camera.
The OCU has dedicated HazProbe controls.
The KNIGHT OCU also has a built-in Lithium Ion battery pack, charger, radios, & antennas making it very portable when removed from its dedicated vehicle or transport vehicle. This also makes the KNIGHT robot one of the fastest robots to deploy.
