ROVER: RObotic Vehicles for Education and Research
University
Goals
The goal of ROVER is to design, build and develop completely autonomous, robotic vehicles to enable environmental sensing and interaction in the environment and the smart cities of the future. The project goals are flexible between years and will educate and train students in any aspect of robotic systems relevant to their interests and discipline.
Issues
Practical fundamentals of robotics are addressed with novel solutions, including the use of open-source and accessible modern hardware, the design of efficient and sturdy frame and actuator structures, robust communications and control programming, and autonomy that benefits from the use of probabilistic and evidence-based abstraction. Goals for robotic design are aligned with practical applications for improving safety and quality of life for humans in a wide range of areas including automated remote inspection and exploration, environmental monitoring and intervention, and collaborative applications with humans.
Tools and Methods
Linux, RTEMS, ROS, and ROCK operating frameworks
Arduino and other open microcontroller hardware
Packet radio and wi-fi communications networks
Li-Ion/LiPo battery technology and charging
DC-DC power conversion and switching motor drives
Tensegrity and truss chassis structures with actuation
Lightweight rapid-prototyped components
Probabilistic and Bayesian software systems
Neural networks and deep learning packages
Statistical filtering and signal processing techniques
Desired Majors
Design, Manufacture, and Engineering Management
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Computer and Electronic Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Prep
A wide variety of interests can be supported in many different robotic applications, perennial foci include the following:
EEE and CES: interest in embedded programming, microcontrollers and power electronics, and robotic communications and control.
Mechanical and Aerospace: Structural design, actuator systems, and dynamic modelling and control
Computing and CES: Signal processing algorithms, feedback control systems, and artificial intelligence and learning
DMEM: System-level design, CAD and mechanical design for X, project management and operations
EEE and CES: interest in embedded programming, microcontrollers and power electronics, and robotic communications and control.
Mechanical and Aerospace: Structural design, actuator systems, and dynamic modelling and control
Computing and CES: Signal processing algorithms, feedback control systems, and artificial intelligence and learning
DMEM: System-level design, CAD and mechanical design for X, project management and operations