Lightening the load of a USMC Rifle Platoon through robotics integration

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Authors
Stimpert, Sian E.
Subjects
Simulation
modeling
integration
robotics
systems engineering
agent-based
Pythagoras
energy
Advisors
Hernandez, Alejandro
Millar, Richard C.
Date of Issue
2014-06
Date
June 2014
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
With the increase of the loaded weight that a Marine carries, the integration of robotics is a significant point of interest to the United States Marine Corps, especially to the Expeditionary Energy Office. Through the use of the agent-based modeling and simulation application, Pythagoras, robots are integrated into a Marine Expeditionary Unit’s rifle platoon to alleviate the burden on each Marine. This study examines the rifle platoon’s energy and power consumption, operational reach, and operational effectiveness for a scouting and patrolling mission. A systems engineering methodology results in a tradeoff analysis on the rifle platoon’s success, relative to the number of integrated robots. Integrating six robots in a rifle platoon can improve the platoon’s ability to fulfill its mission, while supporting the Marine Corps’ energy strategy. In the context of energy initiatives, this research forms the baseline for investigating the impact of robot integration in Marine combat operations through simulations.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Systems Engineering (SE)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.