Enhancements include multiple frequency options, web configuration interface, and ruggedness for harsh operating environments.

BLACKSBURG, VA (July 14, 2010) – TORC, a leading provider of robotic building blocks for developers and integrators of robotic systems, announces the release of the next generation SafeStop, a failsafe emergency safety system for robotic vehicles. The SafeStop is the industry’s leading off-the-shelf wireless emergency stop used by government labs, research universities, robotics developers and system integrators on a wide range of ground and surface vehicles.

The next generation SafeStop is available for use on 340-400 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.3 GHz or 2.4GHz frequencies, providing operational compatibility for international markets and restricted bands. A user-friendly web configuration interface has been integrated to allow users to customize the SafeStop for their specific application without installing any software.

With robotic systems transitioning to industrial and military environments, the next generation SafeStop has been ruggedized to include stronger enclosures, connectors, antennas, switches and switch guards, as well as improved sealing for water resistance ratings up to IP67. This ruggedness is designed for operation in harsh environments found in military, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Additional enhancements include wider input voltage ranges and RAM mount compatibility.

SafeStop Wireless Emergency Stop System

“Our customers have given us outstanding feedback to identify the evolving safety requirements in industrial and military robotic markets. I appreciate this feedback and I am pleased that the next generation SafeStop product line will meet their needs,” Michael Fleming, CEO of TORC.

The SafeStop is one of the many robotic building blocks that TORC offers for customers to rapidly integrate and deploy autonomous robotic systems. During development and operation, it is essential to integrate an independent wireless emergency stop system in order to reliably place a robotic system in a failsafe state at any time.

This stop functionality is critical in protecting the investment of time, money and resources. To learn more about the next generation SafeStop wireless emergency safety for unmanned vehicles and autonomous robotic systems, visit http://www.torctech.com/products/safestop.

About TORC

TORC enables engineers to rapidly integrate robotic systems through a suite of modular, customizable products. TORC’s Robotic Building Block products are used by leading academic, commercial and government organizations to shorten the development process, lower costs and mitigate risks. These products have been used on over a hundred mobile robots ranging from 15 pounds to 15 tons. TORC provides solutions for drive-by-wire conversion, emergency stop, power management, autonomous navigation, and operator control. To learn more, visit http://www.torctech.com.