Fresh juice

2024-04-02

US Navy's Unmanned Mine Action Robotic System: Hire Robot Workers for Safer Mine Sweeping Operations

The US Navy has made significant strides in the development and deployment of unmanned mine action robotic systems, aiming to reduce risks to human life during dangerous mine sweeping operations. One such system, the UISS (Unmanned Influence Sweep System), has recently completed initial operational testing off the coast of California aboard the coastal zone warship "Manchester."

Traditionally, minesweepers, which are boats and ships equipped with mine detection systems and detonation equipment, have been responsible for the search and disposal of sea mines. However, working on minesweepers poses significant risks to personnel, making the development of robotic systems like the UISS an essential step towards ensuring the safety of military personnel.

The UISS is an unmanned mine action robotic system consisting of a surface robot and mine search and destruction equipment, specifically designed for mine sweeping missions. In addition to the UISS, the US military is developing several other anti-mine systems for its coastal zone warships, including the Knifefish underwater mine robot and the MCM USV (Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle) robotic boat with AN/AQS-20C towed mine action sonar.

The UISS system also integrates with the MCM USV, which is based on the CUSV (Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle) autonomous boat developed by the American company Textron. With a working duration of up to 20 hours and a radio range of 140 kilometers, the MCM USV plays a crucial role in the UISS system. Instead of sonar, the robot is equipped with specialized equipment for searching for magnetic, acoustic, and combined mines, including generators of a magnetic field and acoustic vibrations.

The US Navy announced the successful completion of the UISS's initial operational testing on August 23rd. The tests, conducted aboard the coastal gunship "Manchester" off the coast of California in May and June, demonstrated the mine sweeping robot's effectiveness in mine search and disposal missions and showcased its seamless integration with the ship. The UISS is expected to reach initial operational readiness by the end of September.

In conclusion, the development and deployment of robotic systems like the UISS by the US Navy signify a significant shift towards safer and more efficient mine sweeping operations. By hiring robot workers for these dangerous tasks, the military can protect its personnel while maintaining the highest standards of operational readiness.

Share with friends:

Write and read comments can only authorized users