SPAWAR Project Scope
The project scope for the Team Tech project this year is to modify an existing Segway tracked military robot vehicle with industry partner Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). The current vehicle was originally an MAE156B project, also partnered with SPAWAR, in which the team modified a Segway RMP 50 platform and suited it to traverse rough terrains. Using this already modified tracked robot platform, our team aims to improve upon the robot’s mobility, increase its battery life, and reduce its weight and width. We hope to keep the robot vehicle at a low cost through mechanical modifications so that it is more suited as a sacrificial robot.
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In addition to the mechanical modifications, the team will also be adding an electronics and communications component to the robot vehicle, which will utilize the skills of both computer science and electrical engineering. In order to have a robot that is responsive to its environment, it will be integrated with a SLAM (2D Simultaneous Location and Mapping) system as well as a GPS (Global Positioning System) system to help it navigate independently. It will also use the Autonomous Capabilities System (ACS) driver system so that it can evaluate its environment and make “smart” and appropriate actions. This new computer system will have a communications component so that any data the robot collects concerning the environment can be transferred to an external source. This communications system will also allow a user to control the robot wirelessly.
With mechanical, electrical and computer modifications, we aim to create a viable sacrificial robot that can be used to gather data concerning a potentially hazardous environment without risk of human life.
With mechanical, electrical and computer modifications, we aim to create a viable sacrificial robot that can be used to gather data concerning a potentially hazardous environment without risk of human life.