Platforms

Explore the latest insights and groundbreaking research from our research team in our comprehensive list of publications. Stay ahead of the curve by diving into a wealth of knowledge that drives innovation and excellence in our field.

GroundAerialWater


Ground

Off-road

Sculpture on the Bardeen Quad

John Deere R-Gator

The John Deere R-Gator is an unmanned robotic platform developed by John Deere. It is a 1,450-pound robot based on Deere's M-Gator, used by the US Military, designed for autonomous operations such as perimeter patrol and mission support. The R-Gator features a sensor suite including cameras and LIDARs, enabling it to navigate autonomously in all terrains. It can follow maps or select its own waypoints, and can be manually operated or tele-operated as needed. The R-Gator has been used to transport gear, deploy smaller robots, and provide perimeter security for explosive ordnance disposal. CACMS has outfitted the R-Gator with a new autonomous system architecture using ROS2. 

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Sculpture on the Bardeen Quad

Clearpath Jackal

Jackal is a small, fast, entry-level field robotics research platform. It has an onboard computer, GPS and IMU fully integrated with ROS for out-of-the-box autonomous capability. As with all Clearpath robots, Jackal is plug-and-play compatible with a huge list of robot accessories to quickly expand your research and development .

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Sculpture on the Bardeen Quad

Clearpath Husky

Husky is a medium sized robotic development platform. Its large payload capacity and power systems accommodate an extensive variety of payloads, customized to meet research needs. Stereo cameras, LIDAR, GPS, IMUs, manipulators and more can be added to the UGV by our integration experts. The Husky’s rugged construction and high-torque drivetrain can take your research where no other robot can go. Husky is fully supported in ROS with community driven Open Source code and examples.

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Sculpture on the Bardeen Quad

Clearpath Warthog

Warthog is a large all-terrain unmanned ground vehicle capable of brief periods of locomotion in water. It can handle tough environments with its rugged build, low ground pressure, and traction tires, which allow effortless mobility through soft soils, vegetation, thick muds, and steep grades.

Payload mounting plates and accessible power and communication ports allow Warthog to be easily customized with sensors, manipulators and other payloads to accommodate a wide variety of robotics applications in mining, agriculture and environmental monitoring.

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On-road

Polaris GEM e2

GEM e2

With its nimble performance and compact footprint, the GEM e2 is the perfect street-legal small electric car for local driving. Federally classified as a low-speed vehicle (LSV), its low speeds and safety features promote a safer environment for vehicles and pedestrians to coexist. UIUC students use this GEM e2 platform to practice practical autonomous vehicle labs and classes with cameras and LiDAR mounted.

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Aerial

Sculpture on the Bardeen Quad

ORION 2.2 TE

Backed by 6 years of Orion deployments for defense and security operations worldwide, the Orion 2.2 TE is a tactical UAS for ISR and Telecommunications missions. Ruggedized and automated, the Orion 2.2 TE can continuously operate for 50 hours of flight. It is easy to transport and deploy even in difficult-to-access areas. 50 hrs proved flight endurance. Powered and controlled through the tether, the Orion 2.2 TE ensures secure data transfer and protection against jamming and interference. Up to 5 kg (11 lbs) payload capability. 100m/328ft Variable
Height Antenna. Set up a temporary 100m mast to overcome connectivity issues. Adaptable to multiple types of radio, the Orion 2.2 TE provides mission flexibility.

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Phantom DJI

DJI Phantom 1

The DJI Phantom 1, released in 2013, was an early consumer-grade quadcopter designed for aerial photography and videography. It featured a basic GoPro mount and provided a straightforward platform for capturing aerial footage. This model contributed to the growing interest in consumer drones for recreational and professional use.

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Matrice 600 Pro

DJI Matrice 600 Pro

The DJI Matrice 600 Pro is a professional-grade drone designed for heavy payloads and advanced aerial applications. It offers enhanced flight performance, increased stability, and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) for improved positioning accuracy. The Matrice 600 Pro is commonly used in industries such as surveying, filmmaking, and inspection.

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Water

Sculpture on the Bardeen Quad

RexROV 2

An unmanned underwater vehicle was developed for the SWARMs project. The SWARMs project is to expand the use of underwater and surface vehicles (AUVs, ROVs, USVs) to facilitate the conception, planning, and execution of maritime and offshore operations and missions. This would reduce operational costs, increase the safety of tasks and involved individuals, and expand the offshore sector. The RexROV 2 is a simulation of the UUV as a test platform for validating software.

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