The tactical weaknesses of Radio Frequency (RF) communications have been thoroughly established and adversaries are becoming increasingly capable of exploiting them. Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) are particularly vulnerable to the limitations of RF communication because of the need for continuous communication links. Missions involving RAS have a lower chance of success in RF denied environments. Spherical wave propagation of RF communication creates additional limitations by granting adversaries the opportunity to identify and locate RAS assets through detection of RF signatures. Additionally, large numbers of RAS can significantly contribute to RF congestion. The need for technology that overcomes the limitations of RF communication cannot be overstated. 4S-Silversword is developing a Free Space Optical (FSO) communication device called Through the Air Link Optical Component (TALOC) which will enable secure high broadband (multi-GHz) data exchange between RAS and manned assets that cannot be jammed and with low probability of intercept. A single TALOC unit will be capable of automatic closed loop acquisition and tracking of fast-moving RAS assets in a 120 x 90 degree field of regard which will provide tight beam pointing accuracy necessary for FSO communication. Multiple TALOC units positioned around the RAS can expand the field of regard.
Benefit: As TALOC capabilities are demonstrated and validated, it is anticipated that additional markets leveraging secure, high data rate communications will open up across commercial platforms ranging from vehicles to robotic industrial facilities. We anticipate additional DoD and commercial markets to emerge as new applications for TALOC are discovered. Beyond introduction of TALOC technology to the commercial arena, the proposed SBIR work breaks new ground in man-machine cooperation. In successfully demonstrating the FSO function, 4S will show that broad band communications creates an opportunity for expert systems to facilitate multi-platform cooperation and fuse information originating on coordinated platforms into actionable information and guidance to human operators. This innovative capacity will find commercial applications in such wide-ranging fields as hospital ambulance coordination, fire-fighting, border security, law enforcement, and security surrounding public gatherings. 4S intends to market commercial base unit TALOCs to the autonomous systems industry. Both civilian and military versions will be made available. The application of TALOC technology to autonomous systems including self-driving vehicles will enhance the sensors currently being implemented by providing a secure communication link that does not rely on RF availability and does not increase the RF noise level in congested areas.
Keywords: Laser Communications, Laser Communications, UAV, Robotic and Autonomous Systems, Manet, FANET, fso, TALOC, RF denied
