Micro-unattended mobility system for grenade-launcher-deployed sensors (MUMS II)

This paper describes the development of a robotic system that will provide limited mobility capability to ballistically deployed sensors for acquisition of intelligence from building interiors. The future of warfare is expected to shift from large-scale battles to smaller conflicts in increasingly urban environments. Success in such situations can be improved by providing the war fighter detailed information about the location, activities, and capabilities of the opponents. A limited mobility capability adds to the usefulness of grenade launcher deployed sensors in two important ways. First, it relaxes the targeting accuracy requirement allowing a higher probability of successful placement even at greater ranges. Second, it increases the covertness of the sensor by allowing precise placement in an unobtrusive location. Underlying technologies required to implement this approach include a method of attaching the sensor package to the wall and shock tolerant electronics.