The AVATAR evaluates and assesses dangerous situations to minimize threats to personnel. Therefore, it requires a high throughput wireless link to send back audio, video, and operate its command and control functionality. In addition, the AVATAR has been designed with the ability to navigate in all terrain. Eric Ivers pointed out that while “other people claim it, we can actually do it.” Therefore, RoboteX needed the AVATAR to be outfitted with components that were highly durable and vibration proof.
The most important need was maintaining throughput in complete non-line of sight conditions, in particular with respect to walls and other building infrastructure. In order to do so, RoboteX needed transceivers with high transmit power and interference immunity. Since long-range communication was a necessity, RoboteX was looking for a solution to Fresnel zone interference, caused by the proximity of the robot to the ground.