Scientists envision robotic aerial port

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Susan Carlson
  • Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) --  Members of the 437th Aerial Port Squadron might see the addition of robotics to their team in the not-so-distant future, according to Air Force scientists.

Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory, accompanied by Air Mobility Command's chief scientist, visited July 16 to explore the notion and analyze the operations of the 437th APS.

The visit marked the initial stages for the project. Researchers needed to see the actual operations, from start to finish, in order to cater to the needs of the 437th APS, and that is exactly what the eight scientists, engineers and contractors accomplished. The group, from the Airbase Technologies Division (RXQ) of AFRL, followed the cargo from the door where it is initially processed to the actual aircraft where it is loaded for departure.

"I'm here to get smart, to learn about (JB) Charleston's mission and gather information. Our hope is people will tell us what they need," said Brian Skibba, a research civil engineer of the Robotics Research Group.

The research engineers and scientists at the AFRL, based at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., are constantly brainstorming new and innovative ideas on saving energy, cutting down the cost of manpower, and making operations all around more efficient.

JB Charleston officials are investigating the possibility of using robotics to make the entire process of loading and unloading cargo more efficient. The idea is to create a "robo-palet" that's self-aware and can drive itself to and from the loading dock and the aircraft. In addition, in order to protect our assets, the robot would know the exact weight and type of cargo it carried.

The community of researchers strives to create mature technology that comes directly from the hands of the users. Many of their ideas, although at times may seem far-fetched, are actually anticipated to hit the market within the next few years.

"Engineers and scientists do wonderful things, and it's greatly increased when we can come out and view the process, understand the difficulties and work towards fixing those problems," said Brian Nola, a contractor for Applied Research Associates.

Taking the information that they gathered, the AFRL researchers will return to Tyndall AFB and begin developing plans for the future. Their focus is to eliminate the non-value added tasks; those that simply take up time, have to be done, but really don't require a body to do. Already RXQ has developed robots for a variety of Air Force platforms and is developing an automated ground refueling system, according to Dr. Albert Rhodes, the acting chief of RXQ.

The RXQ members boast extensive expertise in robotic systems and with the help of Dr. Donald Erbschloe, Air Mobility Command's chief scientist, they're now developing concepts for robotic cargo handling systems, Dr. Rhodes said.

"Without boots on the ground experience, it's harder; this refines the things we do," Dr. Rhodes said, "The visit gave us the knowledge of how (Air Mobility Command) does its mission."

The overall sentiment from the scientists after their day at 437 APS was the absolute professionalism, knowledge and expertise shown by the aerial porters.

"The most valuable aspect of today was the dialogues, we need to do more of this, get technologists out of the lab to see what the operators do and encourage more interaction between the two," Dr. Erbschloe said. "Great ideas don't just exist in the labs; there are great ideas out here too."