By far, one topic elicited more interest than any other: interoperability. On one hand, I was
pleased. AMREL has been a leader for developing solutions that have the ability to “… to work
with or use the parts or equipment of another system” (Merriam-Webster definition). For
example, our Flexpedient® Solutions enable kit building of Operator Control Units with common
control capabilities.
April 22 is Earth Day, a time in which we reflect on how our actions affect the environment. These effects can be quite surprising, even dangerous. For example, it probably never occurred to you that recycling computers could potentially hamper National Security.
AMREL’s handheld DB6 is on the cover of this month’s Defense Tech Briefs. April’s issue’s featured article is “Improving Battlefield Connectivity for Dismounted Forces,” so it’s only natural that they
The traditional procurement model simply can’t deal with the rapid changes that occur in network technology. So, twice a year they put a bunch of off-the-shelf items in the hands of soldiers, integrate everything, and evaluate their make-shift networks on remote desolate testing grounds. The idea is to get immediate feedback from warfighters and exploit the commercial sector’s advantage in fielding the latest advances.
You can spot an AMREL laptop being used as an Operator Control Unit for a PackBot at about 59 seconds into this episode of NCIS: Los Angeles. For once, TV gives a relatively accurate depiction of how unmanned systems are actually used. Watch video.
Why are there more offerings than customers?
These questions were raised in the Unmanned Systems group in LinkedIn. It provoked a number of insightful comments about the current state of unmanned systems and its future. If you are a member of LinkedIn, and can log in, you can read the discussion here.
This year, we are talking interoperability a step further with a line of complete Unmanned Subsystems solutions. If you want a sneak peek at these remarkable new solutions, drop by Booth 310, and ask if there are there any tickets left to AMREL’s exclusive Technology Suite. See you in San Diego!
This line of thinking can be described as “Reversibility,” a buzzword that has assumed prominence among those vendors who are trying to navigate the planned drawdowns and future budget cuts. “Reversibility” acknowledges the overwhelming historical evidence that we have a rotten track record of preparing for the next war, and we need to be able to change course as the situation warrants.
In a 1970’s paper, roboticist Masahiro Mori noted that people are disturbed by robots
that appear “almost” human. However, they did not react negatively toward robots
that display no human characteristics or robots that mimic humans exactly.
Between the two extremes of perfectly human and completely non- human lies an
“ Uncanny Valley ” that elicits feelings of disgust.
AMREL recently received a certificate from Chemring Detection Systems for our “Outstand Quality & Delivery Performance.” Quality is important for all businesses, but it is especially critical for companies like ours that do a lot of customization. We can’t just talk a good game about pleasing our clients; we have to deliver. We know we have been doing a good job. Still, it’s nice to be recognized.
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