Modular Robotic Control System (MRCS)
The Modular Robotic Control System (MRCS) converts commercial tracked or wheeled construction vehicles to tele-operated control, allowing the customer to select the platform that best fits the application and budget. From a 3,000 pound ASV RC-30 Skid Steer to a 25,000 pound Caterpillar 924G Wheel Loader, MRCS allows the customer to select the platform best suited for the job.
MRCS provides teleoperated control of vehicle motion as well as operation of a variety of attachments including robotic arms, disruptors, buckets, and tools for vegetation removal. With picture-in-picture video capability, MRCS’ Operator Control Unit provides high quality video of both tool operation and the environment surrounding the platform. The digital radio control system provides line of sight range of 1.5 miles. Since the majority of MRCS components are installed on the roof of the vehicle, the cab is free for manual operation – and conversion to manual operation requires just a flip of a switch.
> MRCS Brochure 
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System Specifications
Communications
Radio frequency (RF) radios for transmission of video and data are standard equipment with the
MRCS. There are two RF links to the MRCS. The fi rst is an ethernet link used for transmitting JAUS
messages from the Universal Operator Control Station (UOCS) to the platform. This link can also
be accomplished via fi ber-optic cable. The second link is a video link with many options to choose
from. The 2 most common are the analog video radio and the digital video radio. The analog radio
has a range of 1.5 miles line of sight and the digital radio has a range of 1.5 miles non line of
sight.
Software
The MRCS software is compliant with the requirements of the Joint Architecture for Unmanned
Systems (JAUS). The software also provides password protection at operating system level (operator
and administrator) and at application level. Application upgrades can be made in the fi eld,
and software can be developed for a wide variety of applications.
Hardware
Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)
• Digital Inputs: eight optically isolated inputs confi gurable for internal or external power
• Digital Outputs: sixteen 5-amp fused relays confi gurable for internal or external power
• Analog Inputs: sixteen fi ltered precision inputs confi gurable for internal or external power
• Analog Outputs: eight outputs individually confi gurable for sourcing current or voltage
• One USB connection
• Four Ethernet connections
• Two RS-422 ports
• One RS-232 port
• One GPS interface
Vehicle Radio Unit (VRU)
• Ethernet data radios are available in various frequencies
• Analog video radios are available in various frequencies
• Digital video radios available
Camera Multiplexer Unit (CMU)
• Connections for up to eight cameras
• Picture-in-Picture with confi gurable video output
Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
• Five 20-amp vehicle voltage outputs with back-up battery to maintain voltage
• Three 30-amp vehicle voltage outputs with control relays
• Three 50-amp vehicle voltage outputs
• One 24V, 4-amp output
Pan/Tilt Controller (PTC)
• Microprocessor controlled
• Two H-Bridge outputs for controlling motors
• One RS-232 port
• One Ethernet interface
• One 5-amp power output with control relay
Electrical
Input Voltage: 12 or 24VDC
Power: 100W typical base system
Power consumption is dependent on accessories being used
Environmental
NEMA 4 rated
EMI gaskets on enclosures
Shielded cables