Blue and Gold Volume XIII No. 2 August 2008

“Anassa IV,” an autonomous ground vehicle developed, designed, programmed, and created by Bluefield State College students, won the world championship in “Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) Autonomous Challenge” at the recent IGVC event at Oakland University, MI. The four-day competition attracted 36 entries from institutions of higher education in the U.S. and abroad.

“Approximately 30 Bluefield State College students were involved in the development of Anassa IV,” observed Dr. Robert Riggins, BSC Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology. BSC students Justin Milam, Brad Fields, Bryan Lemon, Louis McAllister, Toni Villanueva, and James Cardwell, and 2007 BSC graduate Justin Stiltner participated in the 16th annual IGVC event, May 30-June 2. BSC student John Browning was also actively involved by telephone during the event.

“Our students were under a tremendous amount of pressure during the competition,” Riggins continued. “They averaged only about three hours of sleep a night because they focused so hard on what they were trying to accomplish.” The team made adjustments on the vehicle, its programming, and its cameras, hoping the changes would translate into optimum performance. “I assigned two team members to find an algorithm that would permit the vehicle to make a 180 degree turn that was required on the course and we continued to tweak everything up until a few minutes before our final run, just prior to the 5 p.m. deadline on the final day of the event. We weren’t certain if our changes and adjustments would be successful because there was no time to test them,” Riggins stated.

“Our robot was a crowd favorite because it was the fastest in the competition and had the ability to process a large amount of information through distributive computing,” he said. “However, some of the officials at the competition said the course was too difficult to complete.” As ANASSA progressed through the traps and over the bridges, the crowd in attendance took note. “When our vehicle began to pass the points where other teams had stopped, our students really got excited,” the BSC faculty member recounted. “When ANASSA went farther than any other team before us, our student started to jump on my back and shout. Finally, when ANASSA weaved through a gauntlet of barrels and shot across the finish line, the crowd cheered just as if we were at a football game.”

The BSC students were then approached by representatives from several top defense contractors and members of the US Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARMAC), which was a primary sponsor of the competition. “Our team’s success has opened a door of opportunity for our students and for our college,” Riggins observed. “One of our students is considering a job offer from TARMAC. The fact that Bluefield State College was the smallest school in the competition and was one of only a very few college or universities there without an engineering graduate school makes our victory even more meaningful.”

By Greg Jordan Bluefield Daily Telegraph 5 June 2008

BLUEFIELD, WV — Driving through a figure-eight course laced with a few obstacles isn’t a big challenge for a human, but was Mount Everest to the Bluefield robot that beat it.

After three days of competition and little sleep, Bluefield State College’s Robotics Team watched robot Anassa IV negotiate a demanding course at high speed and win the Autonomous Challenge of the international Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition.

For 16 years the U.S. Army and other organizations have been sponsoring the IGVC to spur the development of vehicles that can drive themselves, said Professor Bob Riggins of Bluefield State.

At this year’s contest at Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., Bluefield State’s Anassa (Greek for queen) IV faced robots built by teams from schools ranging from the University of Michigan to Hosei University in Japan, Riggins said Thursday.
“Japan’s good at robotics as you can imagine,” he said. “We’ve been involved in several types of competitions. This is the big one.”

While not quite as sophisticated as the mechanical beings in movies such as “Star Wars” or “I, Robot,” Bluefield State’s Anassa IV is still an impressive machine. Weighing about 300 pounds and standing 6-feet-tall with its mast, the robot has a number of sensors.

“It has several different cameras. One of them is a camcorder you’d buy at Wal-Mart,” Riggins said. “It also has a laser scanner in front and back that sees objects in its way. The third instrument is a GPS or global positioning system, and then there’s a digital compass that gives heading or direction in respect to north. The brain of the whole robot is just like the computer you’d have at home or anywhere at work; it’s very fast because speed is important.”

Anassa IV does have a remote control option, but it has autonomous control, too, meaning the onboard computer is doing the driving.

This driving had to be done on a 600 foot course painted on a grassy field. Teams never know what sort of terrain or obstacles their robots will face until the competition begins, Riggins said.

“It could be on asphalt or sand, but this time it was on a grassy field with lines painted 10 feet apart,” he recalled. “It wound around in a figure eight and covered about an acre. There were barrels and bridges, actually two bridges this time, that were very hard to get over. It’s a pretty challenging thing to do outside in the bright sun. It [robot] has to have the energy to get through thick even if it gets wet when it rains. It has to be an outside robot.”

Bluefield State’s queen robot was the only one to complete the entire course, Riggins said.

“Everybody thought nobody would make it over the course because it was so tough. And it was at high speed, too, about 5 mph. That’s fast when you’re thinking about a robot that’s autonomous,” he said. For that successful run, the team won $3,000 that will be applied towards a new robot, Archon or “prince” in Greek, that’s now being designed.

Twenty-five BSC students worked on the robot at various times, but the team consisted of James Cardwell, Justin Milam, Justin Stiltner, Bryan Lemon, Louis McAllister, Toni Villanueva, Brad Fields and John Browning. Riggins said his son, Bob Riggins, from Virginia Tech also helped. Dean of Engineering Frank Hart helped “tremendously” along with the college’s Center for Applied Research Technology.

Finding the funding to compete has been challenging, but BSC and local businesses have been supportive, Riggins said. Pemco, Charlatte America, Connweld Industries, Wal-Mart, Miller Associates, AutoZone in Bluefield, Citizens, Advance Auto Parts, Fastenol and Med-Response have helped with the project.

By Bill Archer Bluefield Daily Telegraph 3 May 2008

BLUEFIELD, WV — As a rule, coal miners aren’t the kind of people to seek out the spotlight in anything they do. When they’re at work, they’re out of the public’s sight, and when they’re home, they’re the kinds of people who would be more apt to umpire a Little League baseball game, help a neighbor build a deck and sit in the back pew at church.

When tragedy strikes at any coal mine, any time, the volunteer members of mine rescue teams step up, spring into action and head off into the uncertainty of any given situation to do their best to save the lives of their fellow coal miners. They’re cautious and they follow the rules that they learn through countless hours of practice, but they don’t hesitate.

“It’s not a spectator sport,” Don Hager, trainer of Consol Energy’s “blue” and “orange” teams at the Buchanan Mine said. Hager’s “orange” team completed their field problem first at Saturday’s mine rescue contest held at Bluefield State College. “There’s no glory in it. I’ve been working with rescue teams for 29 years and I have found that the people who volunteer for rescue teams are the kind of people who always want to do something to help. Coal mining technology has changed, but the basics of mine rescue are the same.”

The competition is jointly sponsored by CART, Inc at BSC and Welch Post 1, National Mine Rescue Association “Smoke Eaters.” The Welch Post organized the first mine rescue team in the early 20th Century, but the post’s annual competition had been dormant from 1993 until 2007 when Milton Smallwood of the West Virginia Miners’ Health, Safety & Training office in Welch and Mike Plumley, a member of Cleveland Cliff Inc.’s Pinnacle Mine “blue” rescue team resurrected the competition. This year’s competition drew 11 teams, including two teams from Alabama.

“These competitions are good training exercises for each member on every team, but they also provide an opportunity for those of us who have been in mine rescue for a while to assess the strengths and special skills of the teams and individual members,” Plumley said. “The face of mine rescue teams today is changing, just like the face of the coal mining industry is changing. It’s a good time for this kind of positive change.”

“When we had these competitions back in the 1980s, none of the mines had trailers to haul their equipment in,” Smallwood said. “Now, the big mines have big trucks that they bring to these competitions. Each one of our offices also has a trailer so they can carry equipment to a mine site. A lot has changed since Sago,” Smallwood said, making reference to the deadly mine explosion near Buckhannon on Jan. 2, 2006, that trapped 13 coal miners underground for two days. Only one of the trapped miners at Sago, Randal L. McCloy, survived.
“Mine rescue teams have been around for a long time,” Smallwood said. “The difference now is that we’re getting good support from the state, from the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and from the companies. We are thankful for that support, and hopes that it continues.”

New developments are emerging in response to the state’s commitment to the mine rescue programs. New state laws governing mine rescue teams require the teams to train a minimum of 96 hours annually, including four hours of training every two months while wearing oxygen breathing apparatus. In addition, the teams are required to participate in at least two competitions each year.

“We’ll probably have eight to 10 competitions like this one in the state this year,” Michael Rutledge said. Rutledge is the mine rescue coordinator for the Oak Hill office of the state office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training, a position that was created at the first of this year. “New laws will continue to become active through the course of the year,” Rutledge said. “Rescue teams will have to compete in two of these a year. Imagine if a high school football team practiced every week and didn’t play in a game. They could get bored with what they were doing. These competitions are meant to help the teams sharpen their skills.”

Teams participating in this year’s competition included the Brooks Run Mining Co. “gray” team (Mike Hutchinson, captain), Cleveland Cliff Inc., Oak Grove # 1 team (Tom Buster, captain), Cleveland Cliff Inc., Oak Grove #2 team (Tim Bailey, captain), Consol Energy Buchanan Mine Rescue “blue” team (Scott Honaker, captain), Consol Energy Buchanan Mine Rescue “orange” team (Dennis Perry, captain), ICG-Beckley Team One (George Gibson, captain), Jewell Smokeless Coal Corp., A Team (Scott McGlothlin, captain), Jewell Smokeless Coal Corp., B Team (J.P. Richardson, captain), Massey Energy Southern West Virginia Team (Rob Asbury, captain), Pinnacle Mining Co., LLC Pinnacle White Team (Chad Lester, captain) and Wolf Run mining Co. White Team (Steve Hively, captain).

“The interest has always been there for mine rescue teams,” Ty Coleman said. Coleman is training coordinator for Wolf Run, and the ICG Inc., mine rescue teams. “Our mine rescue teams are currently doing 120 hours of training per year. We have three, 7-man teams and we’re putting on a fourth team this year.

“You have to remember that these are regular coal miners,” Coleman said. “When they’re training or off at competitions like this one, other coal miners have to cover for them.” Coleman has 31 years of coal mining experience and has worked with mine rescue teams for the past 28 years. “This isn’t like outside where if there’s an accident, you call firemen, police or rescue squads. You can only send a coal miner to rescue another coal miner. They take time from their families, the work is physically demanding and they have to study at home and they attend classes. All of this is designed to improve their skill sets.”

Ken Perdue, safety trainer for Brooks Run Mining, joined his first rescue team in 1974, and still works with teams. “These are all volunteers out here,” Perdue said. “The contests demand a lot of preparation. We have been provided all the resources we need to do the training. Most of the time we’re training, we concentrate our efforts on actual situations, but we also prepare for competitions.” Mike Quillen, Alpha Resources president and chief executive officer, announced on Thursday the implementation of a new bonus system for mine rescue team members. Alpha is Brooks Run’s parent company.

The competition wrapped up at about 5 p.m., with Massey Energy’s Southern West Virginia Team earning first place honors, (Asbury, captain; Mike Vaught, Mike Alexander, Shane McPhearson, Jim Aurednik, Jeremy McClung, briefing officer, and Russell Gunnoe, patient); Consol’s Buchanan Mine “blue” team earned second place honors, (Honaker, captain, Keith Richardson, Matthew Lane, David Goad, Tim Bandy, briefing officer, Reginald Lambright, patient, and Jackie Horn, alternate); and Jewell Smokeless’s A Team earning third place (McGlothlin, captain, Joe Ratliff, Aaron Stilwell, Nick Osborne, Rodney Justice, Elmer Vandyke, briefing officer and Chad Gibson, patient).

Richard Crockett served as chief field judge, and Donnie Coleman joined Rutledge, Plumley and Smallwood as the other field judges. Additional judges included Phil Adkins, Willie Barker, Virgil Brown, Steve Dean, Jim Hodges, Opie McKinney, Don Riffe, Mack Riffe, Randy Skaggs, Paul Smith, Boyd Vance, Preston White and Gilbert Witt. Other volunteers who participated included Jim Bennett, Randy Jennings, Terry Jude, Roger Owensby, Randall Kidd, Randy Meadows, Danny Spratt, Donnie Coleman, Beverly Litz and Janet Musick.

“It’s been a group effort with a lot of people pulling together,” Plumley said. “We’ve been working to get sponsors and to get organized since the first of the year, and we started laying out the problems on the field on Thursday.” The event was staged on June O. Shott Field at the Higginbotham Sports Complex on the BSC campus with “lock down” and refreshments in the first floor of Dickason Hall.

Textron Systems and RE2 Releationship to Focus on Unmanned Systems Technologies and the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) Pittsburgh, PA and Wilmington, MA – December 4, 2006 – RE2, Inc., a leading provider of JAUS software and unmanned systems technologies, and Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and provider of innovative global aerospace and defense technology solutions, announced today that the companies have been accepted into the Department of Defense (DoD) Mentor-Protégé Program. The Mentor-Protégé Program encourages large prime contractors, such as Textron Systems, to share their technical expertise and knowledge of government contracting with minority and women-owned small businesses. The Textron Systems and RE2 Mentor-Protégé agreement was approved by the Army’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and awarded by the Air Force Research Labs at Tyndall AFB, FL.

“We are thrilled about being accepted into this prestigious program,” stated Jorgen Pedersen, president and chief executive officer for RE2, Inc. “We forged a Mentor-Protégé relationship with Textron Systems due to our complimentary products and skills. For example, we focus on developing JAUS compliant unmanned systems and robotic technologies, whereas Textron Systems creates manned vehicles, such as the Armored Security Vehicle (ASV), and sensor technologies. Together, we will be able to create applications to benefit the DoD’s unmanned systems programs.”

"At Textron Systems, our goal is to understand the needs of our military customers and provide the best possible solutions. The Mentor-Protégé Program allows us an opportunity to access new technology areas, like those provided by RE2, and pursue exciting new programs and capabilities. Together, Textron Systems and RE2 will gain insight into improved processes, expand the scope of knowledge within the realm of defense contracting, and learn how to access new and expanding markets," stated Dr. John Boness, Textron Systems' vice president for applied technology.

A key goal of this program is to develop a technology baseline, which will allow the Mentor-Protégé team to successfully bid and win DoD programs. It is anticipated that combined, both organizations will be able to expand their capabilities into ventures in which they would not ordinarily be able to participate. One of the specific objectives of this program is the submittal of proposals for joint contract award. The specific technology focus for the partnership will be to advance and evolve the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS). In turn, Textron Systems will receive DoD funding to support the training and knowledge transfer necessary to achieve these goals.

“This Mentor-Protégé relationship is considered an important long-term partnership for both Textron Systems and RE2,” said Jessica Jordan-Pedersen, chief operating officer of RE2, Inc. “We look forward to collaborating on DoD programs with Textron Systems and gaining new knowledge regarding their proven processes and procedures. In turn, we will provide Textron Systems with our unmanned systems expertise, including access to our JAUS Software Development Kit, tele-operational and autonomous navigation experience, and talented team of robotics engineers.”

In addition to the mentor and protégé, the program also benefits from the participation of the Center for Applied Research and Technology Transfer (CART) at Bluefield State College (BSC). BSC is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) located in Bluefield, West Virginia. CART at BSC was selected to partner with Textron Systems and RE2 for its in-depth knowledge of unmanned systems and mobile robotic technologies. Team CART was an entrant in the 2005 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenge and has a proven track record of success in international Intelligent Ground Robotic Vehicle competitions. The role of CART in the Mentor-Protégé relationship is to provide the protégé with education and training opportunities. Such training includes courses in technical project management, engineering economics, and advanced robotics topics.

“Bluefield State’s CART is certainly excited about the opportunity to work with Textron Systems and RE2, Inc. in facilitating the development of their Mentor-Protégé relationship,” stated Bruce Mutter, vice president of operations, Bluefield State College Center for Applied Research and Technology. “It is an honor to be part of a project that will continue to strengthen our national defense contracting capabilities, while working with talent of their caliber.”

The obvious benefit to the DoD from this Mentor-Protégé relationship will be the development of a woman-owned small business in the field of robotics, qualified and experienced in working on DoD programs, ready to pursue and execute contracts or subcontracts, while concurrently expanding the domestic U.S. industrial base. “The new Mentor-Protégé relationship between Textron Systems and RE2, Inc. is representative of the type of collaborative partnerships between small, innovative agile robotics technology companies and major defense industry corporations that are critical to the growth of the defense robotics industry base in Pittsburgh’s RoboCorridor and beyond,” remarked Bill Thomasmeyer, president of the National Center for Defense Robotics and executive vice president of The Technology Collaborative.

About RE2, Inc.
RE2, Inc. is a leading provider of JAUS software and unmanned systems technologies. RE2’s feature products include the RE2 JAUS Software Development Kit (www.resquared.com/JAUS-SDK.html) and the RE2 Sensor Stabilization Platform. RE2 also provides a broad range of unmanned systems services, including system integration, software development, robotics engineering, and semi-autonomous navigation. RE2’s expertise lends itself to several markets, including defense, law-enforcement, homeland security and EOD.
For more information, please visit www.resquared.com or call (412) 681-6382.

About Textron Systems
Textron Systems Corporation (“Textron Systems”) provides innovative technology solutions to meet the needs of the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities. The company is known for its precision smart weapons, surveillance systems, complex intelligence, information and communications systems, aircraft control components, piston engines, specialty marine craft and armored vehicles. Textron Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avco Corporation. Avco Corporation is wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc.
More information is available at www.textronsystems.com

About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company operating in 33 countries with approximately 37,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others.
More information is available at www.textron.com

About CART at BSC
CART’s mission is to produce outstanding financial returns by providing efficient and effective research contracting, program development, and revenue generation for the BSC School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science. CART, Inc. will focus on innovation through applied research, transferring technologies to markets, continuing education, and raising funds that will enhance the overall competitiveness of Bluefield State College
More information is available at www.cartinc.com

For Additional Information, Contact Jessica Jordan Pedersen/RE2, Inc. Media Contact 412-681-6382, jessica@resquared.com or Joanne Walsh/Textron Systems Media Contact 978-657-2482 jwalsh@systems.textron.com