Novatiq designs Remotely Controlled SCORP robot

After 15 months of development, privately-owned Swiss company Novatiq is set to enter the robotics market with its first offering, SCORP. Designed for scouting and surveillance applications, SCORP is a Micro Unmanned Ground Vehicle (MUGV) that joins the growing ranks of throwable robots. As such, it is small, rugged and lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack and thrown into buildings or over rough terrain.

                

The robot has a top speed of 8 km/h (5 mph), and can be controlled by a wearable controller at distances of up to 500 m (1,650 ft). If communications between the controller and the robot are disrupted, SCORP will automatically retrace its path until communications are restored.

The handheld panel control measures 360 mm (14.1 in) high, 200 mm (7.8 in) wide and 50-70 mm (1.9-2.7 in) thick, and weighs 1.9 kg (4.2 lb). It incorporates a 6.5-inch touchscreen, dual joysticks for robot and accessories control and has a battery life of four to five hours.

Features of SCORP robot:

• SCORP is designed at a compact size of 34 cm long, 27 cm wide and 12 cm high. As it weighs only 7.70 lb (3.50 kg), it can be easily carried everywhere. It is capable of carrying objects up to a weight of 6.0 lb (3.0 kg)
• The wearable controller can control the robot up to 500 meters distance. In some cases, the contact between the robot and controller may be lost. At this time, the robot goes back automatically to restore its communication.
• This robot is equipped with a robotic arm, radios, sensors, and standard battery. It has four cameras with Infrared illuminators for clear night views, and tilts at +/- 90 degrees. It can also support an additional external battery for increasing the working time for up to six hours
  
  Novatiq will launch SCORP in March 2012 at a starting price of US $10,750 (CHF 10,500). and plans to release additional accessories through out the year