Myers Wins Pioneer Award
6/28/2005

AUVSI Pioneer Award
This award is presented to a member or non-member of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International responsible for the initiation or sponsorship of programs leading to a demonstration of advanced concepts and innovative ideas in the development of unmanned vehicle systems.

Scott Myers is the visionary behind the creation of a successful company and the R & D for Army tactical robotics for twenty years. His military robotics career began in 1983 at Martin Marietta where he secured contracts to build prototype teleoperated systems for logistics, reconnaissance and material handling.

Myers left Martin Marietta in 1990 and with three partners in 1991 started F&M Manufacturing.

F&M’s Robotic Systems Technology (RST) division focused on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). RST single mindedly pursued the development of key robotics technologies for diverse military applications, winning the STV, MDARS and Demo III contracts.

During the ensuing research and field testing, Myers identified limits to teleoperation and began the aggressive pursuit of UGV autonomy including sensor, perception algorithm, and operator control development for Soldiers.

In 1999 F&M was purchased and renamed General Dynamics Robotic Systems (GDRS). Myers spearheaded GDRS’ efforts to advance UGV basic research and positioned GDRS for a key role in integrating robotics into the Army’s Future Force.

GDRS-led teams have won the Robotics CTA (ARL), MDARS-E (JPEO-CBD PM-Force Protection Systems), Vetronics Technology Integration (TARDEC), Demo III continuations (SARTI, RTIA), Future Force Warrior LTI (Natick) and Autonomous Navigation System (FCS LSI) projects.

Combined, these programs have advanced development of: robust perception algorithms for all-weather, all-terrain conditions; tactical behaviors facilitating UGV/soldier collaboration; and human-robot interface for operator control of multiple types of UVs.

Past winners of the award are: 2004 Dr. Dominic J. Palumbo and Helmut Portmann 2003 Dr. Clint Kelly 2002 Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr. 2001 Colonel Lynch