“Reduces total load carried by unit, and strain on soldiers. Less gear carried into theater means reduced cost overall.”

“The hot swappable RCM component has applications outside of the robotic control world and it is encouraged that the vendor explore those opportunities.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quotes from the official evaluation of the Flexpedient platform by U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and III Corp at Ft. Hood’s Robotic Rodeo.

Radio Control Challenge
Traditionally, a developer has two unpalatable options when adding radio control to an OCU:

1. Integrate the radio directly into the OCU.  Unfortunately, internal electronics increase the noise-to-signal ratio, which decreases the operating range. This compromises operator safety, especially for IED detection missions.
2. Tethering a peripheral radio. This not only increases the OCU's weight and size, but it also requires a separate power supply and battery, which drains logistical resources.  

Application Modules
To meet this challenge, AMREL developed the patent-pending Application Module. As the name implies, Application Modules can be used for a variety of tasks. In this instance, a radio is integrated into the module, which is inserted into the computer’s device bay. Application Modules configured this way are sometimes called Radio Control Modules (RCM). Designed for simple plug-and-play connectivity, RCMs are linked through AMREL’s proprietary device bays to the connector hub (Ethernet, serial, USB, etc.).

"I salute AMREL"
When the first OCU using an Application Module was tested by the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office (RSJPO), it exceeded minimum operation range requirements. The RSJPO project manager took the unusual step of calling and saying, "I salute AMREL."

The OCU Leader
Today, Application Modules are used to control the MARCbot, PackBot, and other unmanned systems. In fact, AMREL is the only supplier that has OCUs for multiple deployed robots.  Infinitely customizable, the RCMs have been configured for:

• FreeWave
• Ubiquiti
• Ibis Tek
• DTC
• 2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5.9 GHz, and 900 MHz
• AreaRAE sensor gas detectors
• Fiber-optic control (for cave or underwater use)

Common Control, Here and Now
Even though they were developed originally for integration purposes, it's clear that easily swappable Applications Modules expand interoperability. AMREL is currently working with system integrators to create modules that enable operation of numerous unmanned systems as well as the monitoring of sensors. AMREL has expanded this modular approach to create our Flexpedient Solutions, a major advance toward a common control capability.