Modular Robotic Platform for Hostile Environment Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for hostile environments, such as mine clearance, are not versatile and cannot provide extended assistance to users, lacking the ability to transport individuals and adapt to various obstacles and environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular, scalable, and reduced-size robotic system with a mobile platform, electric propulsion, articulation for stability, integrated sensors and effectors, and adjustable autonomy for manual, remote, or autonomous operation, enabling the system to navigate and transport users while avoiding or overcoming obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional robotic systems are used for mine clearance, then they can secure areas with mines, but they are not versatile and cannot provide extended assistance to users
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with multiple interchangeable effectors (demining tools, manipulation tools, measurement tools) that can be mounted on the mobile platform, enabling it to perform various functions including mine clearance, object manipulation, and environmental assessment, thus achieving versatility while maintaining reliability through standardized interfaces and robust platform design
2Adaptability or versatility
If robotic systems are designed for specialized tasks, then they can perform specific functions, but they cannot transport users or adapt to various obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system employs dynamically adjustable articulation joints with active control that can adapt the platform's configuration in real-time to navigate various obstacles including stairs and uneven terrain, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components including a mobile platform, interchangeable effectors, and independent control systems, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall system adaptability through standardized connection interfaces
3Extent of automation
If autonomous control is implemented, then the system can operate independently, but it requires complex sensorimotor behavior management
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system incorporates multiple sensors (cameras, LIDAR, proximity sensors) that provide continuous feedback to the control algorithms, enabling the robot to perceive its environment and adjust its sensorimotor behaviors dynamically, with feedback loops that manage complexity through hierarchical control architecture
4Volume of moving object
If the robotic system is made compact, then it can navigate narrow spaces, but it has limited power and payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system employs a compact mobile platform with nested or foldable structural elements that allow the platform to maintain a small footprint for navigating narrow spaces while expanding or reconfiguring to accommodate larger power sources and payload capacities when needed
Data Source
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AI summary
Collaborative automated system comprising: - a mobile platform (PFM) fitted with running means, an electric motor assembly for propulsion (ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4), and a longitudinal mechanical connection assembly (ELM) comprising an articulation (ART); - an electric power source; - a manual means (CM) for controlling the system; - means (CD) for remotely controlling the system; - a computer assembly of at least one computer (CALC); - hardware hosting means designed to incorporate sensors and effectors, and software hosting means (CALC) designed to incorporate software elements; and - management means (GES) for managing integrated sensorimotor behaviours (CS), designed to house implementations of several sensorimotor behaviours (CS) in parallel.