Matilda

Mesa Associate's Tactical Integrated Light-Force Deployment Assembly (MATILDA) is a remote controlled surveillance and reconnaissance robot created and designed by the Mesa Robotics Corporation. It is available in many different models such as the Urban Warrior, Block II, and Scout, which feature different combinations of components for increased utility. These options include a sensor mount, manipulator arm, weapon mount, fiber optic reel, remote trailer release, and disrupter mount. When purchased the basic system includes the platform, the control unit, and battery charger.

Unlike most robotic platforms that place an emphasis on mobility, MATILDA places an emphasis on function. Keeping this in mind, associates at Mesa Inc. identified specific UGV applications that it wanted to have present in their assembly. These applications included: target surveillance, explosive device neutralization, material pickup and transport, weapon transport and firing, and law enforcement. Mesa Inc. wanted to implement these applications into an efficient low cost solution. In order to achieve their vision, associates at Mesa Inc. consistently refined platform weight ratios until they finally achieved a design that both fundamentally fit their vision and expanded the tasks that UGV's could accomplish. Mesa Inc. associates also had specific obstacles that they wanted their robot to be able to overcome such as stair climbing, payload transporting, great battery life, tunnel navigation, video camera, and manipulator arm capabilities. In order to make the assembly applicable to national defense, Mesa Inc. associates built different models of the MATILDA. This was to make sure the robot helps each form of security's specific needs. Mesa Inc. also wanted to let the assembly be open-ended, meaning that users could attach any attachments they needed. In order to achieve this, Mesa Inc. built the robot to be compatible with an assortment of attachments like manipulator arms, saws, claws, and cameras.

The robot is relatively low-profile and lightweight. It's capable of speeds up to 2 mph (3.22 km/h) and has a payload capacity of 125 pounds (56.7 kg). It can also pull as much as 225 pounds (102.06 kg) or up to 500 pounds (226.8 kg) using an optional four-wheel tactical trailer with remote release. MATILDA is an all weather robot with a 6- to 10-hour extended battery operating time and can climb a 50-degree stair incline. The robot comes equipped with a pan–tilt–zoom camera, capable of producing both color and black and white resolution, a rear fixed black and white resolution camera, two-way audio (audio crossover), and HD radio capabilities.

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