SafeStop Wireless Emergency Stop System

The SafeStop™ provides an independent, wireless safety link for unmanned system operators.  The SafeStop is capable of remotely pausing or disabling unmanned ground and surface vehicles from a safe location. This ensures that people and expensive equipment are protected from the inherent dangers of unmanned vehicle system operation.

The SafeStop transmitter features a handheld design, audible and visual operator feedback, an internal rechargeable battery with up to 12 hours of continuous operation, and line of sight operation of up to 6 miles. Optional external buttons can be mounted anywhere on the unmanned vehicle to further ensure the safety of operators and bystanders.

The SafeStop receiver unit is integrated into the unmanned vehicle and is capable of disabling the unmanned vehicle with hardware contacts or pausing vehicle operation with software messages passed over ethernet or serial interfaces.

Multi-Level Control

The SafeStop is a multi-level emergency stop system, meaning the pause and stop switches on the handheld transmitter control independent remote contacts.

A common implementation for the multi-level control can be used for:

• An easy to integrate serial software pause that will allow for a graceful computer controlled stop of the vehicle.
• A failsafe estop contact to disable the vehicle by applying 100% brake, and shutting down power to the vehicles engine.

This multi-level control is very helpful because a complete system shutdown is not needed in all situations, which can be extremely inconvenient when controlling the system remotely and having to manually reset or restart your computer systems. The pause feature allows you to bring your unmanned system to a controlled stop where you can simply flip the switch to resume operation without further intervention.

J/F-12 Approval Pending on 900 MHz version

Independent Operation

The SafeStop transmitter links to the receiver over 900 MHZ spread spectrum radios, providing superior range, reliability, and resistance to interference. The SafeStop link is completely independent from your system’s other communications and computer equipment. Keeping this link independent from other system failures is critical to providing fail-safe, emergency shutdown functionality.

In the event of a lost link between the transmitter and receiver, the unmanned vehicle can be configured to automatically disable and come to a complete stop.

Convenient Handheld Design

The design of the SafeStop takes into account features that provide for a better user experience. The lightweight wireless transmitter can easily be held in one hand during use and slipped into a cargo pocket while between uses. The transmitter unit is approximately 4”x4”x2”. This lightweight, handheld design makes the unit easily portable – no need to carry around large battery packs or other bulky accessories.

Visual and Audible Operator Feedback

Indicator lights on both the transmitter and receiver units display the state of the SafeStop, so the remote operator can always feel safe knowing which mode the system is in. An audible alarm on the transmitter will sound continuously if the link is lost or periodically if the battery needs to be recharged. TORC recommends additional safety measures be added to unmanned vehicles, such as the addition of external lights and audible sirens to clearly indicate when an unmanned vehicle is operating under computer or autonomous control.

Long Range & Extended Battery Life

The SafeStop has an operating range of up to 6 miles line-of-sight, with the transmitter’s rechargeable battery providing up to 12 hours of continous operation. Whether you are in need of a safety system for long days of testing or fielded missions, the SafeStop’s operating range and battery life provide an ideal combination for nearly all situations.