MATILDA

Mesa Associates' Tactical Integrated Light-Force Deployment Assembly (MATILDA) is a remote controlled surveillance and reconnaissance robot created and designed by the Mesa Robotics Corporation. It is available in many different models such as the Urban Warrior, Block II, and Scout, which feature different combinations of components for increased utility. These options include a sensor mount, manipulator arm, weapon mount, fiber optic reel, remote trailer release, and disrupter mount. When purchased the basic system includes the platform, the control unit, and battery charger. History One key focus that MATILDA designers had was on function over mobility by identifying specific UGV applications that they wanted it to have, including target surveillance, explosive device neutralisation, material pickup and transport, weapon transport and firing, and law enforcement. Another key focus was on low cost. In order to achieve their vision, they refined platform weight ratios until they achieved a design that fit both key focuses. The designers also had specific obstacles that they wanted their robot to be able to overcome, such as stair climbing, payload transporting, great battery life, tunnel navigation, video camera, and manipulator arm capabilities. In order to make the assembly applicable to national defense, the designers built different models of the MATILDA. This was to make sure the robot helps each form of security's specific needs. The designers also wanted to let the assembly be open-ended, meaning that users could attach any attachments they needed. In order to achieve this, the designers built the robot to be compatible with an assortment of attachments like manipulator arms, saws, claws, and cameras. Hardware The MATILDA robot is relatively low-profile and lightweight. It's capable of speeds up to and has a payload capacity of . It can also pull as much as or up to using an optional four-wheel tactical trailer with remote release. MATILDA is an all weather robot with a 6- to 10-hour extended battery operating time and can climb a 50-degree stair incline. The robot comes equipped with a pan–tilt–zoom camera, capable of producing both color and black and white resolution, a rear fixed black and white resolution camera, two-way audio (audio crossover), and HD radio capabilities. Specifications