Autonomous Rescue Vehicle ( Team 10 ) ETHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS PRESENTED BY Vipul Bhat

Project Overview Our team’s goal is to build a prototype of a robot that can: Use GPS to locate a lost person Autonomously navigate towards the person Lead him or her back to a safe location, which is the starting location of the robot 2

ETHICAL ISSUES Misuse Safety Track individual without his/her knowledge. Safety Sensor failure might result in injuries. Open packaging, exposed wires 3

SOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES Misuse Track individual without his/her knowledge. Audio Indicator if transceiver is switched on. Safety Sensor Issues Better quality sensors More sensors Improved packaging 4

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Hazardous waste Normal use Manufacturing PCB production releases copper into wastewater Anodized Aluminum production releases Aluminum Hydroxide. Disposal NiMH batteries need to be disposed properly PCB contains lead Other components: chassis, motors. Normal use Power consumption ~ 36 W 5

SOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Reducing Hazardous waste Manufacturing Chassis and PCB size can be reduced. Disposal Recycling programs NiMH batteries can be recycled Reuse of components such as chassis, motors Instructions for proper disposal can be provided in user manual. Reducing power consumption Use lighter robot with fewer motors 6

Questions? 7