RE2 Robotics of Pittsburgh wins Navy contract for autonomous loading, unloading system

RE2 Robotics will receive $125,000 from the U.S. Navy to design an autonomous cargo loading and unloading system, the company announced Wednesday.

Even when the military is able to deliver cargo using an unmanned drone, it must be unloaded by hand.

“Manual handling of cargo increases time the aircraft is on the ground in the landing zone and increases exposure of personnel to dangerous situations. Autonomous load and unload capability would greatly reduce burden on Marine Corps troops who typically move cargo out of the supplying aircraft,” Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of RE2 Robotics, said in a statement .

RE2 Robotics, based in Lawrenceville, has received several military-related contracts. In June, the Air Force selected the company to develop a drop-in robot pilot to convert manned aircraft into unmanned aircraft.

The Navy in February selected RE2 Robotics to develop manipulator arms to handle explosives underwater. In January, RE2 Robotics was selected by the Army to develop technology to assist combat medics .

Aaron Aupperlee is Tribune-Review staff writer.