Control elements for an unmanned Martian roving vehicle

Developed Martian roving vehicle simulator for test platform of obstacle sensor for autonomous roving vehicl

Path planning, modelling and simulation for energy optimised mobile robotics

This thesis is concerned with an investigation of a solution for mobile robotic platforms to minimize the usage of scarce energy that is available and is not wasted following traditionally planned paths for complex terrain environments. This therefore addresses the need to reduce the total energy cost during a field task or mission. A path planning algorithm is designed by creating a new approach of artificial potential field method that generates a planned path, utilising terrain map. The new approach has the capability of avoiding the local minimum problems which is one of the major problems of traditional potential field method. By solving such problems gives a reliable solution to establish a required path. Therefore the approach results in an energy efficient path of the terrain identified, instead obvious straight line of the terrain. A literature review is conducted which reviews the mainstream path planning algorithms with the applications in mobile robotic platforms was analysed. These path planning algorithms are compared for the purpose of energy optimized planning, which concludes the method of artificial potential field as the path planning algorithm which has the most potential and will be further investigated and improved in this research. The methodology of designing, modelling and simulating a mobile robotic platform is defined and presented for the purpose of energy optimized path planning requirement. The research is to clarify the needs, requirements, and specifications of the design. A complete set of models which include mechanical and electrical modelling, functional concept modelling, modelling of the system are established. Based on these models, an energy optimized path planning algorithm is designed. The modelling of force and the kinematics is established to validate and evaluate the result of the algorithm through simulations. Moreover a simulation environment is established which is constructed for multi perspective simulation. This also enables collaborative simulation using Simulink and ADAMS to for simulating a path generated by the path planning algorithm and assess the energy consumption of the driven and steering mechanism of an exemplar system called AgriRover. This simulation environment allows the capture of simulated result of the total energy consumption, therefore outlines the energy cost behaviour of the AgriRover. A total of two sets of paths was tested in the fields for validation, one being generated by the energy optimized path planning algorithm and the other following a straight path. During the field tests the total cost of energy was captured . Two sets of results are compared with each other and compared with the simulation. The comparison shows a 21.34% of the energy saving by deploying the path generated with the energy optimized path planning algorithm in the field test. This research made the following contribution to knowledge. A comparison and grading of mainstream path planning algorithms from energy optimisation perspective is undertaken using detailed evaluation criteria, including computational power required, extendibility, flexibility and more criteria that is relevant for the energy optimized planning purpose. These algorithms have not been compared from energy optimisation angle before, and the research for energy optimised planning under complex terrain environments have not been investigated. Addressing these knowledge gaps, a methodology of designing, modelling and simulating a mobile platform system is proposed to facilitate an energy optimized path planning. This , leads to a new approach of path planning algorithm that reduces unnecessary energy spend for climbing of the terrain, using the terrain data available. Such a methodology derives several novel methods: Namely, a method for avoiding local minimum problem for artificial potential field path planning using the approach of approximation; A method of achieving high expendability of the path planning algorithm, where this method is capable of generate a path through a large map in a short time; A novel method of multi perspective dynamic simulation, which is capable of simulating the behaviour of internal mechanism and the overall robotic mobile platform with the fully integrated control, The dynamic simulation enables prediction of energy consumption; Finally, a novel method of mathematically modelling and simplifying a steering mechanism for the wheel based mobile vehicle was further investigated.This thesis is concerned with an investigation of a solution for mobile robotic platforms to minimize the usage of scarce energy that is available and is not wasted following traditionally planned paths for complex terrain environments. This therefore addresses the need to reduce the total energy cost during a field task or mission. A path planning algorithm is designed by creating a new approach of artificial potential field method that generates a planned path, utilising terrain map. The new approach has the capability of avoiding the local minimum problems which is one of the major problems of traditional potential field method. By solving such problems gives a reliable solution to establish a required path. Therefore the approach results in an energy efficient path of the terrain identified, instead obvious straight line of the terrain. A literature review is conducted which reviews the mainstream path planning algorithms with the applications in mobile robotic platforms was analysed. These path planning algorithms are compared for the purpose of energy optimized planning, which concludes the method of artificial potential field as the path planning algorithm which has the most potential and will be further investigated and improved in this research. The methodology of designing, modelling and simulating a mobile robotic platform is defined and presented for the purpose of energy optimized path planning requirement. The research is to clarify the needs, requirements, and specifications of the design. A complete set of models which include mechanical and electrical modelling, functional concept modelling, modelling of the system are established. Based on these models, an energy optimized path planning algorithm is designed. The modelling of force and the kinematics is established to validate and evaluate the result of the algorithm through simulations. Moreover a simulation environment is established which is constructed for multi perspective simulation. This also enables collaborative simulation using Simulink and ADAMS to for simulating a path generated by the path planning algorithm and assess the energy consumption of the driven and steering mechanism of an exemplar system called AgriRover. This simulation environment allows the capture of simulated result of the total energy consumption, therefore outlines the energy cost behaviour of the AgriRover. A total of two sets of paths was tested in the fields for validation, one being generated by the energy optimized path planning algorithm and the other following a straight path. During the field tests the total cost of energy was captured . Two sets of results are compared with each other and compared with the simulation. The comparison shows a 21.34% of the energy saving by deploying the path generated with the energy optimized path planning algorithm in the field test. This research made the following contribution to knowledge. A comparison and grading of mainstream path planning algorithms from energy optimisation perspective is undertaken using detailed evaluation criteria, including computational power required, extendibility, flexibility and more criteria that is relevant for the energy optimized planning purpose. These algorithms have not been compared from energy optimisation angle before, and the research for energy optimised planning under complex terrain environments have not been investigated. Addressing these knowledge gaps, a methodology of designing, modelling and simulating a mobile platform system is proposed to facilitate an energy optimized path planning. This , leads to a new approach of path planning algorithm that reduces unnecessary energy spend for climbing of the terrain, using the terrain data available. Such a methodology derives several novel methods: Namely, a method for avoiding local minimum problem for artificial potential field path planning using the approach of approximation; A method of achieving high expendability of the path planning algorithm, where this method is capable of generate a path through a large map in a short time; A novel method of multi perspective dynamic simulation, which is capable of simulating the behaviour of internal mechanism and the overall robotic mobile platform with the fully integrated control, The dynamic simulation enables prediction of energy consumption; Finally, a novel method of mathematically modelling and simplifying a steering mechanism for the wheel based mobile vehicle was further investigated

Design and Experimental Evaluation of a Hybrid Wheeled-Leg Exploration Rover in the Context of Multi-Robot Systems

With this dissertation, the electromechanic design, implementation, locomotion control, and experimental evaluation of a novel type of hybrid wheeled-leg exploration rover are presented. The actively articulated suspension system of the rover is the basis for advanced locomotive capabilities of a mobile exploration robot. The developed locomotion control system abstracts the complex kinematics of the suspension system and provides platform control inputs usable by autonomous behaviors or human remote control. Design and control of the suspension system as well as experimentation with the resulting rover are in the focus of this thesis. The rover is part of a heterogeneous modular multi-robot exploration system with an aspired sample return mission to the lunar south pole or currently hard-to-access regions on Mars. The multi-robot system pursues a modular and reconfigurable design methodology. It combines heterogeneous robots with different locomotion capabilities for enhanced overall performance. Consequently, the design of the multi-robot system is presented as the frame of the rover developments. The requirements for the rover design originating from the deployment in a modular multi-robot system are accentuated and summarized in this thesis

Proceedings of the 8th Annual Summer Conference: NASA/USRA Advanced Design Program

Papers presented at the 8th Annual Summer Conference are categorized as Space Projects and Aeronautics projects. Topics covered include: Systematic Propulsion Optimization Tools (SPOT), Assured Crew Return Vehicle Post Landing Configuration Design and Test, Autonomous Support for Microorganism Research in Space, Bioregenerative System Components for Microgravity, The Extended Mission Rover (EMR), Planetary Surface Exploration MESUR/Autonomous Lunar Rover, Automation of Closed Environments in Space for Human Comfort and Safety, Walking Robot Design, Extraterrestrial Surface Propulsion Systems, The Design of Four Hypersonic Reconnaissance Aircraft, Design of a Refueling Tanker Delivering Liquid Hydrogen, The Design of a Long-Range Megatransport Aircraft, and Solar Powered Multipurpose Remotely Powered Aircraft

Heterogeneous Robot Swarm – Hardware Design and Implementation

Swarm robotics is one the most fascinating, new research areas in the field of robotics, and one of it's grand challenge is the design of swarm robots that are both heterogeneous and self-sufficient. This can be crucial for robots exposed to environments that are unstructured or not easily accessible for a human operator, such as a collapsed building, the deep sea, or the surface of another planet. In Swarm robotics; self-assembly, self-reconfigurability and self-replication are among the most important characteristics as they can add extra capabilities and functionality to the robots besides the robustness, flexibility and scalability. Developing a swarm robot system with heterogeneity and larger behavioral repertoire is addressed in this work. This project is a comprehensive study of the hardware architecture of the homogeneous robot swarm and several problems related to the important aspects of robot's hardware, such as: sensory units, communication among the modules, and hardware components. Most of the hardware platforms used in the swarm robot system are homogeneous and use centralized control architecture for task completion. The hardware architecture is designed and implemented for UB heterogeneous robot swarm with both decentralized and centralized control, depending on the task requirement. Each robot in the UB heterogeneous swarm is equipped with different sensors, actuators, microcontroller and communication modules, which makes them distinct from each other from a hardware point of view. The methodology provides detailed guidelines in designing and implementing the hardware architecture of the heterogeneous UB robot swarm with plug and play approach. We divided the design module into three main categories - sensory modules, locomotion and manipulation, communication and control. We conjecture that the hardware architecture of heterogeneous swarm robots implemented in this work is the most sophisticated and modular design to date

Advanced extravehicular activity systems requirements definition study. Phase 2: Extravehicular activity at a lunar base

The focus is on Extravehicular Activity (EVA) systems requirements definition for an advanced space mission: remote-from-main base EVA on the Moon. The lunar environment, biomedical considerations, appropriate hardware design criteria, hardware and interface requirements, and key technical issues for advanced lunar EVA were examined. Six remote EVA scenarios (three nominal operations and three contingency situations) were developed in considerable detail

The Second Conference on Lunar Bases and Space Activities of the 21st Century, volume 1

These papers comprise a peer-review selection of presentations by authors from NASA, LPI industry, and academia at the Second Conference (April 1988) on Lunar Bases and Space Activities of the 21st Century, sponsored by the NASA Office of Exploration and the Lunar Planetary Institute. These papers go into more technical depth than did those published from the first NASA-sponsored symposium on the topic, held in 1984. Session topics covered by this volume include (1) design and operation of transportation systems to, in orbit around, and on the Moon, (2) lunar base site selection, (3) design, architecture, construction, and operation of lunar bases and human habitats, and (4) lunar-based scientific research and experimentation in astronomy, exobiology, and lunar geology

2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy

This document is an update (new photos used) of the PDF version of the 2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy that will be available to download on the OCT Public Website. The updated 2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy, or "technology dictionary", uses a technology discipline based approach that realigns like-technologies independent of their application within the NASA mission portfolio. This tool is meant to serve as a common technology discipline-based communication tool across the agency and with its partners in other government agencies, academia, industry, and across the world

Third International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Automation for Space 1994

The Third International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Automation for Space (i-SAIRAS 94), held October 18-20, 1994, in Pasadena, California, was jointly sponsored by NASA, ESA, and Japan's National Space Development Agency, and was hosted by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the California Institute of Technology. i-SAIRAS 94 featured presentations covering a variety of technical and programmatic topics, ranging from underlying basic technology to specific applications of artificial intelligence and robotics to space missions. i-SAIRAS 94 featured a special workshop on planning and scheduling and provided scientists, engineers, and managers with the opportunity to exchange theoretical ideas, practical results, and program plans in such areas as space mission control, space vehicle processing, data analysis, autonomous spacecraft, space robots and rovers, satellite servicing, and intelligent instruments

Fourth Annual Workshop on Space Operations Applications and Research (SOAR 90)

The proceedings of the SOAR workshop are presented. The technical areas included are as follows: Automation and Robotics; Environmental Interactions; Human Factors; Intelligent Systems; and Life Sciences. NASA and Air Force programmatic overviews and panel sessions were also held in each technical area