Walking Quadrupedal Platform

The goal of this project was to continue developing a functioning quadrupedal platform for the WPI robotics department. The quadruped is a forty-pound robot with four independently moving legs built by a previous MQP. This project consists of testing and implementing motion control systems. The primary goal of the project was to ensure that the robot quadrupedal chassis built by a previous MQP could move stably and intelligently so that it can be useful for future projects. Three main motion gaits were studied, a crawl gait, a walking gait, and a turning gait. The project implemented stable motion for the three gaits mentioned. In addition, the team also made significant system design improvements in the structure, electrical circuit, and code

Photovoltaic technology in the southern Arava: An Analysis of Public Acceptance

Though Israel's southern Arava region has experienced a boom in solar infrastructure in the past decade, the public position on local solar installations has thus far been unknown. We sought to understand the level of acceptance of solar fields among southern Arava communities and identify the factors that contribute to acceptance. We distributed surveys to five kibbutz communities to gauge their attitudes about local solar installations. We also held semi-standardized interviews with stakeholders. Our data points to strong acceptance of solar technology in this region, both in principle and specific to their local installations. We identified several factors that contribute to this high level of support including asset co-ownership, communal decision making, and transparent communication