Tech Collaboration Leads to Mapping Robotic Dog

Maysville, Ky., U.S.A. (August 31, 2020) — Kentucky-based geospatial technology company, Carlson Software, recently partnered with Pennsylvania-based, Ghost Robotics®, to bring to life an all-terrain robotic dog capable of navigating and performing underground and surface scans.

Ghost Robotics and Carlson Software completed a successful test using two of their respective systems. Carlson’s Void Scanner+ (VS+) was mounted to Ghost’s Vision™ 60 quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle (Q-UGV) and remotely operated to conduct scans throughout an underground tunnel.

Ghost Robotics develops durable, continuous-use, all-environment, legged robots for demanding applications. Ghost’s Q-UGVs are being deployed into defense, homeland security, public safety, and enterprise markets. The company will be working closely with Carlson to develop customer solutions with a range of sensors, radios, and applications.

Carlson’s laser measurement division (LMD) possesses a product portfolio of precision laser measurement systems typically used in mining, quarrying, exploration, and mapping environments. The VS+, a product of Carlson LMD, uses time-of-flight laser measurement to map the shape, position, and spatial location of voids, which helps ensure both the safety of personnel and the protection of stock and underground sites. Based on its specifications, it was the perfect partner for Ghost’s Q-UGV. The VS+ has an onboard battery and Wi-Fi connectivity with a 200 point-per-second scan rate, 360-degree horizontal scan, and a vertical scan extent of 270 degrees capability.

For more information on the systems, visit carlsonsw.com or contact Gavin Franklyne, Director of Carlson LMD Americas, at gfranklyne@carlsonsw.com.

About Carlson
Carlson Software Inc. specializes in CAD design software, field data collection, laser measurement, and machine control products for the civil engineering, surveying, GIS, construction, and mining industries worldwide, providing one-source technology solutions for the entire project cycle. Carlson Software is headquartered in Maysville, Ky., U.S.A., with branch offices in Boston, Mass.; Almere, The Netherlands; Victoria, Australia; Ottawa, Canada; and York, England.