Clearpath Robotics partners with Argo XTR to launch Warthog unmanned ground vehicle
Clearpath Robotics, a provider of mobile robotic platforms for research and development, has released Warthog – a large, amphibious, all-terrain mobile robot designed for application development.
The company says Warthog enables researchers to reliably test, validate, and advance their robotics research faster in real world conditions, whether on land or in water.
Julian Ware, general manager for research solutions at Clearpath Robotics, says: “Argo XTR (Xtreme Terrain Robotics) has a terrific record of manufacturing rock-solid outdoor platforms.
“Combined with our expertise in robotics, we’ve developed rugged platform suitable for a wide range of robotics applications in mining, agriculture, forestry, space, and environmental monitoring.”
Clearpath says Warthog’s lightweight aluminium chassis, low ground pressure, passive suspension system, and 24” traction tires allow it to easily traverse a variety of tough terrains including soft soils, thick muds and steep grades, all while carrying up to 272 kg of payload.
With built-in bilge pumps and an IP rating of 67, Warthog is fully weather-proof and amphibious, capable of moving through deep waterways at up to 4 km/h, or travel at speeds of up to 18 km/h while on land, adds the company.
The all-electric, skid steer platform has expandable power allowing for a runtime of 6 hrs, and can be outfitted with quad tracks for ultimate traction and maneuverability in snow and sand.
Jason Scheib, Argo XTR robotics program director, says: “Argo XTR is excited to partner with a progressive robotics company like Clearpath with our platform.
“The combination of our proven experience in amphibious and extreme terrain environments with our platforms with the progressive software and sensor integration from Clearpath Robotics, has created a second to none solution for a myriad of research and commercial applications.”
Designed for end-to-end integration and customization, Warthog includes an internal computer, IMU, wheel encoders, and mounting racks, as well as accessible user power and communication ports for integrating sensors, manipulators, and other third-party hardware.
Warthog is shipped with the Robot Operating System (ROS) preconfigured and a Gazebo simulation model, allowing researchers to get started quickly with existing research and widely available open-source ROS libraries, says Clearpath.
