The Actron Wolf's robust, tank-like design employs a dual flexible-track system to conquer difficult terrains and steep slopes. Each track is equipped with its own suspension system. The robot can move at speeds as high as 7.6 ft/s. It can pivot about its center and make sharp, accurate turns. The Actron Wolf's dimensions are 32" long, 24" wide, and 24" high. It weighs 150 lbs and is constructed in three major parts: lower chassis, upper chassis, and sensor turret. The lower chassis contains the robot's propulsion, suspension, and electrical power systems. The upper chassis houses all computer and electronic processing equipment, including user-interface devices (a keypad and two liquid crystal displays). The eight-sided sensor turret, which can be rotated 45! in each direction, is used to detect distant obstacles.

Currently, the Actron Wolf perceives its environment through forty-two chassis-mounted and eight turret-mounted ultrasonic sensors. The chassis-mounted ultrasonic sensor array, used for short- and mid-range obstacle detection, is augmented by a tactile sensor array. The turret sensor array, used for long-range sensing, can be rotated to sweep the environment and quickly gain information on obstacles located up to 32 feet away. A stereo-camera vision system is under development to complement the turret-mounted ultrasonic array. An onboard microwave bomb detecting unit is also under development.

Computations are executed by two on-board computers operating in parallel. They are an 80386DX 33 MHz motherboard and an 80486DX2 66 MHz motherboard. Each microprocessor controls a distinct input-output (I/O) card. A TMS320C30 microprocessor is used for internal signal processing. The software structure is designed for evaluation and comparison of different algorithms for mobile robot locomotion (e.g., map making, path planning, and path following).

In addition to their role in mobile-robot research, machines like the Actron Wolf can be used for inspecting and handling of materials in hazardous areas, manufacturing, construction, structural integrity tests, and counter-crime applications. The robot can be equipped with porTABLE sensing devices and actuators and programmed to sense its environment, record data, and perform specific tasks. Typically, such tasks are either too monotonous or too dangerous for humans to perform.

The Actron Bear^TM is a fully operational tracked mobile robot. Each track is equipped with its own suspension system. The robot can move at speeds as high as 30 ft/s (20 mph), even while climbing or descending hills. It can pivot about its center and make sharp, accurate turns. The Actron Bear^TM is 84" long, 54" wide, and 57" high. It weighs 630 lbs and is built in three major parts: lower chassis, upper chassis, and sensor turret. The lower chassis contains the robot's propulsion, suspension, and electrical power systems. The upper chassis houses all computer and electronic processing equipment, including user-interface devices. On top of the eight-sided sensor turret is a CCD camera, which can be rotated 45 degrees in each direction, is used to detect distant obstacles.

The benefits of robotic patrol and rescue are well documented:
1. Humans are removed from direct exposure to potential danger;
2. Robots perform most security and surveillance better than humans;
3. Robots don't tire during hours of patrol, search and rescue;
In addition, the robotic site-security application has certain advantages relative to more ambitious battlefield scenarios.