Autonomous Landmine Clearance System

Client – Humanistic Robotics, Inc. (HRI)

Ripple Design serves as the primary engineering resource for Humanistic Robotics, Inc., a small company focused on improving the tools available for humanitarian landmine removal. During our multi-year relationship with HRI, Ripple Design has helped guide the development of several landmine-removal tools. We directed the design and manufacturing of a modular, lightweight clearance roller intended to reduce the cost and logistical footprint of mechanical demining operations. Ripple Design engineers also designed and fabricated a ground-up control system that plugs into the drive-by-wire infrastructure of a common skid-steer front loader, allowing the vehicle to remotely drive the clearance roller.

Mine-affected areas are notoriously harsh environments for mechanical and electrical systems, and reliability during clearance operations is paramount. Throughout the development process, Ripple Design engineers conducted rigorous laboratory and field testing to assess the clearance effectiveness, reliability, and survivability of the roller and vehicle control system.