Engineers at the Remotec Inc. subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corp. recently unveiled Nomad, the latest member of its Andros line of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The mid-sized Nomad complies with the Defense Dept.’s Interoperability Profile (IOP), which means its software and hardware will work with the latest sensors, weapons, and payloads in the DoD’s arsenal. This means it will be able to carry out a wide variety of missions. The UGV could also be used by law enforcement agencies and other first responders, including bomb squads. IOP compliance will also make it easier for Remotec to upgrade the robot.
Nomad measures about 35 in. long by 23 in. wide, and sits 26 in. tall (or 46 in. tall if you count the mast/arm when it is fully extended). It weighs 164 lb. and moves via four independent track pods, which give it good stability and mobility in all terrains. For example, it can climb 60- deg. inclines. Its manipulator arm can lift 15 lb. even when fully extended, and its shoulder pitch and rotation, elbow pitch, and wrist roll can all be controlled.
