Originally developed by researchers at Cambridge Research Laboratory near Boston, Massachusetts, the Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot (BEAR) is a robotic system designed to carry and extract wounded soldiers from battlefields. The robotic system is equipped with an all terrain tracked mobility platform, and a powerful hydraulic upper. To aid its mission, it is equipped with night vision and optical cameras. It can also carry weapons, communications equipment, and support gear.
BEAR has six degrees of motion, which allows it the ability to work in all positions between horizontal and vertical extremes. The robot is equipped with a unique motion capture system that allows it to be controlled by human movements. The BEAR's sensors also send data to the human operator, so it can be controlled with voice commands. The BEAR can work in challenging environments, so it is able to adapt to a variety of situations. It can also perform a variety of tasks autonomously, such as moving a fully-weighted human from semi-prone to supine, or carrying a wounded soldier.
The hydraulic actuators that power the BEAR’s upper body allow the robot's ability to move fully-weighted individuals from supine positions to prone. Three hydraulic pistons are located on the upper arm. One controls wristflexion, another controls elbowflexion, and one controls chest cavity.
BEAR's lower part is powered from a central battery, which can also be electrically activated. The system also features treads that run along each side of the legs, providing the greatest amount of traction. These treads allow the BEARs to work in extreme conditions such as on slopes.
The BEAR's upper body has a flexible, flexible torso that can be telescoped up and down. This is useful when climbing stairs or reaching for high items. The torso's centre of gravity is also lower which can be helpful when balancing.
A robust hydraulic system is included in the BEAR that allows it to lift and move people fully weighed from supine into upright positions. The robot's hydraulics have the ability to transport a fully weighted person from sitting down to supine, as well as from semi-prone into prone.
The hydraulic system is not the only feature of the BEAR's body. It also has two separate sets of electronic-powered tracked "legs". The articulated arm 40 has a lower arm 42 and an upper arm 41, and the hand 50 is attached to the lower arm at a wrist joint 44. The thumb-like member 52 of the gripping member 51 simulates human-like gripping positions.
BEAR can be used in many situations. It can navigate through buildings, climb stairs and pick up soldiers wounded. BEAR can also transport heavy loads, communications equipment and support gear. It also has a fire-resistant battery. BEAR's present battery can supply power for about one hour. The optional on-board generator can also be used to fuel the battery. The future will see BEAR's battery pack double in size, which will allow the robot to operate for longer periods.