Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

Jackal is a rugged, all-terrain platform

The Jackal is an autonomous mobile outdoor robot created by ClearPath Robotics . The Jackal is fully integrated, compact and waterproof. The Jackal is a flexible platform on which it is easy to plug sensors and cameras. With its high payload, generous power options and its ROS API , the Jackal is at the time being the best solution on the market to build your autonomous outdoor robot. Generation Robots, as a partner of ClearPath is proud to bring you this technology in Europe.

Don't wait to contact us to know more about the platform, to talk about your project.

Jackal's main features

Powerful & Compact

Jackal's simple mounting platform allows for easy addition of sensors, cameras, and other accessories. Choose from 5V, 12V, or 24V power options and effortlessly connect cables to the embedded internal PC. If expansion is needed, the internal area is available for additional computing power or storage.

Adapted to All Terrains and Weather-Resistant

Constructed on a robust aluminum chassis with a high-torque 4x4 transmission, Jackal ensures robust all-terrain performance. With an IP62 waterproof casing, it can operate in conditions ranging from -20°C to +45°C. Connections are routed through a compressed foam cable management port, simplifying communication with external payloads without the need for complex seals.

Quick Configuration

Jackal's embedded PC is preconfigured for quick synchronization with ROS through an RVIZ graphical interface and Gazebo model. Skip lengthy installations and dive straight into your projects with Jackal's comprehensive demo code. With wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and WiFi, Jackal is ready to operate upon startup.

Easy Customization

The Jackal platform offers extensive customization options with a diverse selection of sensors, cameras, and other compatible accessories to integrate through its user-friendly mounting interface. Power options of 5V, 12V, or 24V are available, facilitating connection to the embedded internal PC. The internal area is also open for additional computing power or storage based on your requirements.

The Jackal mobile robot is not just a fun vehicle to drive; it is also a genuine robotic platform designed to enhance your programming experiences using a wide range of compatible sensors at 5V, 12V, or 24V.

Jackal ROS API: a new plug and play experience

Jackal programming is done using its ROS API , designed to make all its users’ lives easier: Using ROS, you'll be able to control the power systems, the motors, IMU, GPS and localization estimate. If you need new connections or want to make changes to the on-board computer, just lift the vehicle’s top plate to access all the internal circuits!

Explorer Package

The Jackal Explorer set is specially designed to operate autonomously in various environments, both indoors and outdoors. Its applications span a wide range, from GPS navigation with laser collision avoidance to indoor mapping and trajectory planning. Equipped with a powerful Mini-ITX computer system, it comes preinstalled with Linux and ROS, with all ROS drivers preinstalled and preconfigured for immediate use.

This pack includes:

• A laser rangefinder TIM551
• A SwiftNav Duro GPS
• A FLIR Blackfly camera
• A 3DM-GX3-25 IMU
• An IP65-rated FLIR camera housing

Application examples:

• Robotics research and development
• Integration of sensors, manipulators or scientific equipment

Vision Package

The Jackal Vision Pack incorporates two forward-facing FLIR Blackfly cameras, ensuring high-quality stereo vision. It is also equipped with an upgraded GPU graphics card and a high-performance computer. This pack includes a preinstalled CUDA toolkit for an optimal experience and enjoys full compatibility with ROS, RViz (visualization tool), and Gazebo (simulator).

This pack includes:

• 2 x FLIR Blackfly cameras
• An Nvidia GTX GPU
• A high-performance computer

Application examples:

• Industrial vision
• Human-robot interaction
• Visual SLAM (VSLAM)

Navigator Package

The Jackal Navigator Package combines a high-end RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS system with a long-range base station, achieving localization accuracy of less than 1 inch (2 cm) and enabling remote communication up to 0.62 miles (1 km).

This pack includes:

• A SMART-7 RTK antenna
• A wideband, long-range communication transceiver
• A long-range wireless network station with RTK upgrade

Application examples:

• External navigation
• Multi-robot systems
• Remote environmental inspection

Technical specification of the Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

The ROS Jackal mobile robot integrates GPS, inertial sensors, and an embedded computer.

As a 100% open-source robotic platform, the GPS Jackal mobile robot provides access to a comprehensive programming environment within a community of users. This community offers examples and code libraries tailored to the sensors you wish to add to your platform. You can easily develop your own applications to share with others!

This programmable exploration robot is designed to simplify tasks for all users. Adding sensors, cameras, and other accessories is straightforward. If you need to make new connections or modifications to the onboard computer, simply open the vehicle's hood to access all internal circuits!

Size and weight of the Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

• External dimensions (L x W x H): 508 x 430 x 250 mm (20 x 17 x 10 in)
• Internal storage dimensions: 250 x 100 x 85 mm (10 x 4 x 3 in)
• Weight: 17 kg (37 lbs)
• Ground clearance: 65 mm (2.6 in)

Speed and performance of the Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

• Maximum payload: 20 kg (44 lbs)
• All-terrain Payload: 10 kg (22 lbs)
• Maximum speed: 2.0 m/s (6.6 ft/s)
• Drive power: 500 W

Battery and power system of the Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

• Battery chemistry: Lithium Ion
• Capacity: 270 Watt hours
• Charge time: 4 hours
• Runtime:
  • Heavy usage: 2 hours
  • Basic Usage: 8 hours
• Operating voltages (choice):
  • 5 V @ 5 A
  • 12 V @ 10 A
  • 24 V @ 20 A

Interfacing and communication of the Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

• Control modes:
  • Kinematic Commands — velocity, angular velocity
  • Open Loop Motor Driver Commands — voltage
  • Wheel Velocity Commands
• Feedback:
  • Battery and motor current
  • Wheel velocity and travel
  • Integrated GPS receiver
  • Integrated gyroscope and accelerometer
• Quadrature encoders: 78000 pulses/m
• Communication:
  • Standard version: (2x) Ethernet. (4x) USB 3.0. (1x) RS232, PCIe module, WiFi and Bluetooth 802.11a/b/g/n
  • Performance version: Ethernet. USB 3.0. RS232, (IEEE 1394 available). integrated 7260 Wi-Fi (configurable to client or AP mode)
• Drivers and APIs: Packaged with ROS Indigo Drivers and Ubuntu 14.04
• Integrated accessories (included): Wireless Game controller, GPS, IMU, On-Board Computer, WIFI Adapter, Accessory Mounting Plates

Computer of the Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

Two versions are available: the standard version and the Performance version which is more powerful. The technical specifications for each version are as follows:

Environmental specifications

• -20 to 45 °C (-4 to 113 °F)
• IP 62 (65 available on select configurations)

Resources for the Jackal unmanned ground vehicle

We’ve collected together some additional information to help you familiarise yourself with the ClearPath Robotics Jackal ROS mobile robot:

• Brochure
• Datasheet
• Application examples
• User manual
• Github