"Unmanned systems and Ada"

Abstract

The MITRE Corporation large ground robotic vehicle program relies on GNAT Ada running on the RTEMS open source operating system for all real-time, vehicle steering and propulsion control. This arrangement has worked satisfactorily for two years and has been the subject of SIGAda conference tutorials. Ada was selected for this application to address important safety and reliability concerns. The robotic vehicles weigh more than 1000 kg, can make zero-radius turns, and travel at 8 m/s. Such a vehicle could be dangerous if not properly managed. These Ada controlled, robotic vehicles are on display in the conference center parking lot. Please take a moment to see firsthand this application of Ada.