SafeStop - Wireless Emergency Stop System for Unmanned Vehicles

SafeStop – Wireless Emergency Stop System for Unmanned Vehicles

Safety is an extremely important aspect to fielding and testing unmanned systems, which is why every unmanned vehicle should be equipped with an independent, fail-safe emergency stop system. For the protection of humans and equipment in the operating area, as well as your invested time, money and resources, it is imperative that unmanned systems are capable of being disabled at any time and in the event of onboard failures.

The SafeStop™ is a thoroughly tested, industry proven wireless fail safe emergency stop system that easily integrates with your unmanned vehicle platform. The SafeStop provides the ability to remotely pause or disable unmanned ground and surface vehicles from a safe location.

Quickly becoming the industry’s leading off-the-shelf emergency stop system, the SafeStop features:

• Multi-Level Control Provides Pause and Stop Functionality
• Independent Encrypted Communication over 900 MHZ Spread Spectrum Radio
• Convenient Handheld Design is Lightweight and Portable
• Units Provide Visual and Audible Operator Feedback
• Long Range Operation & Extended Battery Life
• 32 Channels Allows Multiple Systems to Operate Concurrently

System Overview

The transmitter is a conveniently designed handheld unit that controls independent pause or stop contacts on the SafeStop receiver. Featuring audio and visual feedback, a rechargeable battery pack with up to 30 hours of untethered use, and a line-of-sight operation of up to 6 miles, the SafeStop transmitter’s simplified controls are easy to operate in the field while testing or operating unmanned vehicles. The receiver unit is mounted on the unmanned vehicle and translates the emergency stop information sent by the transmitter to the vehicle’s failsafe mechanisms via two high current contacts. The unit also includes a wired serial port for communicating to the onboard computing, such as the ByWire. In addition to the transmitter and receiver units detailed above, the SafeStop kit includes:

Multi-Level Control

The SafeStop is a multi-level emergency stop system, meaning the pause and stop switches on the handheld transmitter control independent remote contacts.

A common implementation for the multi-level control can be used for:

• An easy to integrate serial software pause that will allow for a graceful computer controlled stop of the vehicle.
• A failsafe estop contact to disable the vehicle by applying 100% brake, and shutting down power to the vehicles engine.

This multi-level control is very helpful because a complete system shutdown is not needed in all situations, which can be extremely inconvenient when controlling the system remotely and having to manually reset or restart your computer systems. The pause feature allows you to bring your unmanned system to a controlled stop where you can simply flip the switch to resume operation without further intervention.

Independent Operation

The SafeStop transmitter links to the receiver over 900 MHZ spread spectrum radios, providing superior range, reliability, and resistance to interference. The SafeStop link is completely independent from your system’s other communications and computer equipment. Keeping this link independent from other system failures is critical to providing fail-safe, emergency shutdown functionality.

In the event of a lost link between the transmitter and receiver, the unmanned vehicle can be configured to automatically disable and come to a complete stop.

Convenient Handheld Design

The design of the SafeStop takes into account features that provide for a better user experience. The lightweight wireless transmitter can easily be held in one hand during use and slipped into a cargo pocket while between uses. Both the transmitter and receiver units are approximately 4”x4”x2”. This lightweight, handheld design makes the unit easily portable – no need to carry around large battery packs or other bulky accessories.

Visual and Audible Operator Feedback

Indicator lights on both the transmitter and receiver units display the state of the SafeStop, so the remote operator can always feel safe knowing which mode the system is in. An audible alarm on the transmitter will sound continuously if the link is lost or periodically if the battery needs to be recharged. TORC recommends additional safety measures be added to unmanned vehicles, such as the addition of external lights and audible sirens to clearly indicate when an unmanned vehicle is operating under computer or autonomous control.

Long Range & Extended Battery Life

The SafeStop has an operating range of up to 6 miles line-of-sight, with the transmitter’s rechargeable battery providing up to 30 hours of untethered use. Whether you are in need of a safety system for long days of testing or fielded missions, the SafeStop’s operating range and battery life provide an ideal combination for nearly all situations.