5K Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift Automation

The Government is seeking proposals to develop autonomous material handling technologies. Specifically, the Government is seeking the development and delivery of a prototype applique kit that can be added onto existing tactical material handling equipment (such as the 5K Light capability Rough Terrain Forklift, but may also include other MHE systems such as the USMC's Extended Boom Forklift) that will allow for the Material Handling Equipment (MHE) system to perform standard supply and pallet movement operations fully autonomously. These operations will specifically be targeted at moving ammunition to, from and in between storage locations (stacked and unstacked) and transportation assets (tractor trailers, ISO containers, etc.). While the operations are specifically targeted at ammunition for tactical resupply operations, other classes of supplies will be considered as well. In addition to fully autonomous operation, the system will utilize the sensors, cameras, etc., that enable autonomous operation to provide improved situational awareness to an operator when the system is operated manually. The deliverables for this effort will be a tactical MHE system that will demonstrate improved manual as well as fully autonomous supply movement operations during identified demonstrations. Also required will be support for the demonstrations, the relevant software documentation to fully capture the software design, and any required documents for demonstrations (safety assessment report, etc.). As this system will be required for numerous demonstrations over a six year period, it is desired that this system be maintained and demonstrated numerous times over the course of six years. The system developed must either be compliant with or have a clear path towards compliance with the Interoperability Profiles developed by TARDEC.