Preliminary studies for a drilling robot firefighter

The USAF has produced a firefighter's drill to be used for aircraft fires. This report describes preliminary studies which were conducted to establish a data base for the design of a robotic manipulator for the drill. The loads associated with drilling of aircraft skins are measured and characterized. Link flexibility effects are studied and manipulator modeling and control issues are identified. Keywords: Firefighting, Robotics, Drilling machines, Drills.