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Adaptive Materials, the fuel cell company that is leading the portable power revolution, recently demonstrated its prototype 180-watt unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) power pod on an iRobot PackBot at Ft. Hood. Over the 3-day event, the power pod demonstrated that Adaptive Materials’ propane-powered fuel cells could reliably extend the mission duration of the PackBot in a realistic military environment.
Prior to the Ft. Hood event, Adaptive Materials demonstrated twelve hours of continuous PackBot run-time using the power pod.
“Adaptive Materials continues to prove that our fuel cells provide lightweight, portable and reliable power in real world scenarios,” said Michelle Crumm, chief business officer. “Our work not only helps soldiers be more effective in the field, but could also power unmanned vehicles to the front lines, helping to keep soldiers out of harm’s way.”
Adaptive Materials integrated the fuel cell power pod onto the existing iRobot PackBot platform, providing a bolt-on solution that can be installed in minutes. By providing additional power to complement the PackBot’s on-board battery system, Adaptive Materials demonstrated that its UGV power pod, which weighs 6kg with fuel, can enable longer mission durations.
Throughout the demonstration, Adaptive Materials’ UGV power pod fueled the iRobot PackBot across rocky, sandy and other terrain typical in the real world scenarios. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and TARDEC provided support for Adaptive Materials’ UGV power pod work.
In addition to highlighting the capabilities of the UGV power pod, Adaptive Materials discussed the status of ongoing development projects, including adaptation to JP8 fuel, a kerosene-based jet propellant. As a lightweight and flexible power source, Adaptive Materials’ fuel cells reduce soldiers’ weight burden, plus lighten the overall weight of a UGV, helping them to consume less power while traveling farther and accomplishing more mission-critical tasks.
About Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the leader in the development and manufacturing of portable power made from solid oxide fuel cell technology. Adaptive Materials is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system powered by lightweight and globally available propane. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com
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