MATILDA

Mesa Associates' Tactical Integrated Light-Force Deployment Assembly (MATILDA) is a remote controlled surveillance and reconnaissance robot created and designed by the Mesa Robotics Corporation. It is available in many different models such as the Urban Warrior, Block II, and Scout, which feature different combinations of components for increased utility. These options include a sensor mount, manipulator arm, weapon mount, fiber optic reel, remote trailer release, and disrupter mount. When purchased the basic system includes the platform, the control unit, and battery charger.

History
Unlike most robotic platforms that place an emphasis on mobility, MATILDA places an emphasis on function. Keeping this in mind, associates at Mesa Inc. identified specific UGV applications that it wanted to have present in their assembly. These applications included: target surveillance, explosive device neutralization, material pickup and transport, weapon transport and firing, and law enforcement. Mesa Inc. wanted to implement these applications into an efficient low cost solution. In order to achieve their vision, associates at Mesa Inc. consistently refined platform weight ratios until they finally achieved a design that both fundamentally fit their vision and expanded the tasks that UGV's could accomplish. Mesa Inc. associates also had specific obstacles that they wanted their robot to be able to overcome such as stair climbing, payload transporting, great battery life, tunnel navigation, video camera, and manipulator arm capabilities. In order to make the assembly applicable to national defense, Mesa Inc. associates built different models of the MATILDA. This was to make sure the robot helps each form of security's specific needs. Mesa Inc. also wanted to let the assembly be open-ended, meaning that users could attach any attachments they needed. In order to achieve this, Mesa Inc. built the robot to be compatible with an assortment of attachments like manipulator arms, saws, claws, and cameras.

Hardware
The robot is relatively low-profile and lightweight. It's capable of speeds up to 2 mph (3.22 km/h) and has a payload capacity of 125 pounds (56.7 kg). It can also pull as much as 225 pounds (102.06 kg) or up to 500 pounds (226.8 kg) using an optional four-wheel tactical trailer with remote release. MATILDA is an all weather robot with a 6- to 10-hour extended battery operating time and can climb a 50-degree stair incline. The robot comes equipped with a pan–tilt–zoom camera, capable of producing both color and black and white resolution, a rear fixed black and white resolution camera, two-way audio (audio crossover), and HD radio capabilities.

Models
MATILDA comes in many different models such as Urban Warrior, Block 2, and Scout Model. Each of these models is designed for a specific situation. The "Urban Warrior" is designed for military use when it comes to aggressive situations such as bomb control, drone control, and rugged terrain. The Block 2 model is designed for a more tactical use for law enforcement and the fire department. This model is a jack of traits; it comes with the technology to be aggressive to a certain extent, but also comes with the ability to do reconnaissance. The scout model is designed for pure reconnaissance and surveillance. This model is expected to be used the battlefield to get information or infiltrate enemy bases.

Uses and Applications
As military action grows more advanced and lethal, robotic platforms help soldiers perform tasks without endangering their lives but still accomplish their tasks efficiently. As a result, MATILDA can be used for various tasks such as: reconnaissance, bomb control, door breaching, weapon control, remote mine detection, and the remote launching of unmanned aerial vehicles. With bomb control, soldiers lives are often put at risk so MATILDA aims to solve this issue by having the capability to perform life-threatening tasks without the loss of human life. These activities are known as unexploded ordnance, or UXO activities. Military personnel can use MATILDA to detect and neutralize different types of UXOs, such as man-to-man and land-mine situations, in all types of weather. Additionally, to support troops Mesa has also released special attachments like the manipulator arm, which would assist specific tasks such as bomb control even further. MATILDA also comes built with a variety of sensors allowing it to manipulate objects, avoid crashes, assemble, inspect, and recognize items. This allows others beside the military to use this platform for recreational or experimental purposes.