![]()
What happens when we let a robot rove around autonomously within a group of people? Our future is going to be filled with robots one day, so we wanted to try it out!
The result? People enjoyed interacting with the robot!
Bowie ventured around, and avoided humans using two ultrasonic sensors where their conical beams were able to intersect just enough as to not cause a 'blind zone':
"Look! It's a friendly helping robot on the loose!"
The robot we were using was an upgraded version of Bowie — it is Bowie II. An improved chassis and struts for the wheels. Electronics will be upgraded to proto board soon.
This event was a collaboration with Asad from Chairs and Tables!
For citizen science, we are designing the robot platform as a tool for exploration. A way to run any sort of mobile experiment. This will require the robot to operate in various terrains. We improved the robot, and decided to observe its performance on a Baseline Test on June 17th. Here's what we learned
We set the robot out on a 15 meter tape measure distance
We noticed that we dynamically have to make minor turns to drive the robot "straight". This is what happens when we just press forward:
Here is what the bot looks like roving (sorry, very tiny). You can see dandelion fluffs blowing - working in the real world environment has its surprises!
While doing the previous test we noticed something interesting happening when the bot turns
The tilt drive system lifts up one of the wheels when it is turning in dry sand
We then decided to try wet sand to see how it will differ
Wet sand is very different than the dry sand
The wheels on the robot become compacted with sand
This prevents the robot from being able to move
We carefully observed this and tried different ways of driving to see if it can be overcome
Using the water nearby is a good way to wash the sand off the wheels
Now we can drive!
We also tested the environmental sensors - as you can see, it was dark out, getting pretty late!
We enjoyed testing the robot!
Time to make improvements and be ready for the next Field Test!
July 6th is a Field Test at Cherry Beach in Toronto! We will be testing out new functionality on the robot. This is a special edition, as the event is a part of Maker Festival! Robot Missions will also be at the Extravaganza over the weekend, outside of the Toronto Public Library.
Tasks we are testing:
- Turning w/new robot (pavement then sand)
- Obstacle detection
- Data logging
Hope to see everyone there! We're keeping an eye on the weather. Stay tuned to @RobotMissions for the latest updates
The robot collected 3 beer cans, traveled 8.85m, and took soil measurements. We had a great turnout of families and people from the Ottawa Maker Faire to help with the Field Test! Check out the video to see it in action:
Of the 1.5 million Laysan Albatrosses that inhabit Midway Atoll, nearly all are found to have plastic in their digestive system. [1]
Our project description shows a photograph taken by Chris Jordan of an albatross that has ingested plastic.
Here's a video that shows the shoreline debris:
It's interesting to see the variety of debris, and how small the fragments of plastic are that are continuously washed ashore.
With our envisioned excavation system in use with the robot we're developing - it would sweep up the smaller fragments, and let the sand grains escape through a sieve.
There are plastics that are smaller than grains of sands, but at least it is a step in the right direction.
Many thanks to the field test crew for helping out at Sunnyside Beach: Randy, Arij, Stephen, Fiona, Sen & Daniel!
We learned more about how the robot performs in the environment, and also gained new insights through the debriefing. More information about the field test to follow
Our next field test is coming up! April 16th at Sunnyside Beach in Toronto ON.
This field test aims to learn the real-world factors of the terrain, environment, debris, for improving the capabilities of the shoreline cleaning robot.
If you're located in Toronto and want to help out a robotics project in the real world - get in touch! We are always looking for more volunteers
More information on thefacebook event page
The robot was able to pick up a piece of debris during our latest field test at Cherry Beach in Toronto, ON. Video hereWe brought together a team of volunteers for the field test crew, and organised into subteams to be able to complete the tasks!There were three tasks in total for the robot to complete:1) Path planning2) Thriving nature3) Debris retrievalMany thanks to all the volunteers who came out! Next field test is April 16th. Event page here
