RE2 Robotics will continue developing its LIFELINE system, which is designed to help combat medics in the field, thanks to being awarded a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Army SBIR office and the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).

Described as a medical module applique kit that can easily be installed on either a manned or unmanned vehicle, the LIFELINE system allows a single person to lift and stow up to two litters (stretchers) on a vehicle to facilitate medical evacuations. According to RE2 Robotics, the system reduces the “cognitive and physical burden” on combat medics as they focus on saving lives.

“Every S-MET vehicle has a unique platform design and requires modification to the LIFELINE system for full functionality,” says Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2 Robotics.

“This program allows us to expand the use of our technology onto additional transport vehicles, which will showcase LIFELINE’s modularity and intuitive operation.”

During Phase II of the program, RE2 Robotics successfully demonstrated the LIFELINE system being used on a Lockheed Martin Squad Mission Support System (SMSS).

With the Phase III contract, RE2 Robotics will be able to support hardware upgrades to the system so that alternate S-MET (Squad-Multipurpose Equipment Transport) vehicles can utilize it.

The program will culminate in a live demonstration during an S-MET Assessment event at Fort Benning, Georgia.