The Battlefield Extraction and Assist Robot (BEAR), was originally developed by researchers from Cambridge Research Laboratory in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a robot designed to transport and extract wounded soldiers from battlefields. The robot system features an all-terrain mobility platform with hydraulics and a robust upper body. To aid its mission, it is equipped with night vision and optical cameras. It can also carry weapons and communications equipment as well as support gear.
The BEAR robot is equipped with a six-degree of motion system, which allows it to operate in any position between horizontal and vertical extremes. It also has a unique motion capture system that allows it be controlled by human operators' movements. The BEAR can also receive data from its sensors, which allow it to be controlled using vocal commands. The BEAR can be used in a variety of difficult situations. The BEAR can also carry a wounded soldier or move a semi-prone human fully-weighted.
Hydraulic actuators power the BEAR's upper body. They allow it to lift fully-weighted people from supine into prone positions. Three hydraulic pistons are located on the upper arm. One controls wristflexion, another controls elbowflexion, and one controls chest cavity.
BEAR's low body is built around a tracked mobility platform. This platform is powered by an electric motor and can be electrically actuated. The system includes treads that run along both sides of the legs to provide maximum traction. These treads allow the BEARs to work in extreme conditions such as on slopes.
The BEAR has an upper body that is flexible and pliable and can telescope upwards and downwards. This can be used to climb stairs and reach high items. This can also make it easier for balance.
The BEAR has a strong hydraulic system, which can lift and move full-weighted people from supine to upright. The robot's hydraulics can also transport a fully-weighted person sitting to supine or semi-prone to standing.
In addition to the hydraulic system, the BEAR's upper body has two independent sets of tracked "legs" that are powered by electronics. The articulated arm 40 includes a lower and upper arm, respectively 42 and 41. The hand 50 attaches to this lower arm at a joint 44. The gripping piece 51 includes a thumb-like 52 that simulates human-like gripping positions.
BEAR can work in a variety environments, such as navigating through a building or climbing stairs. The robot also provides a range of mobility, and can carry communications equipment, support gear, and heavy loads. It also has a fire-resistant battery. The BEAR's current battery can provide power for about an hour, and it can also be fueled by an optional on-board generator. In the future, BEAR's battery pack will double in capacity, allowing the robot to work for longer periods of time.