Multifunction suspension of EOD robot

One of the applications of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) consists in conducting tasks connected to removing and disposing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The tasks are often performed in hard to reach places, on off-road terrain, with weights and dimensions of explosives which require the use of work attachments of considerable lifting capacities. Due to this, it is necessary to equip the robot with suspension designed for performing such tasks. Because of variable character of the charges which are subjected to the chassis of robots, it is necessary to build a suspension with variable characteristics and examine efficiency of its action. One of the research methods that can be used for that purpose are the simulations based on the method of Multibody Systems. The paper presents a hydro-pneumatic suspension system of an EOD robot, which has been developed at the Military University of Technology, describes its model, simulation findings and the initial verification thereof based on a real object. Apart from that, special consideration is given to the quality and effectiveness of UGV suspension systems. The development of a basic platform enables the use of the platform for various purposes as a carrier of a multi-sensor system for detecting dangerous materials or for carrying other attachments.