Mobile Environmental Sensing Platform for Autonomous Environmental Data Acquisition Introduction: The earth has many different surfaces, each with their own properties. To accurately sense the complex heterogeneity in the environment, a vast array of sensor groups or a mobile sensing platform is needed. A mobile sensing unit can sense a multitude of different areas within a short period of time with less hassle. Goal: Develop an autonomous robotic sensing system for data sampling of environment.

Requirements:  Autonomous operation with option for manual control  Ability to change direction  Run off batteries  Enclosure for electronics/battery  Sensor mounts that provide optimum operation of sensors  Rugged construction/ rough terrain capability  Distance detection sensors to avoid collisions with walls, etc. Ideal Design Functions:  Telescoping Arm  GPS based geo-referencing  Crash proof autonomous control  Solar panel incorporated to charge battery  Wireless data connection for data retrieval from rover

Approach: Develop rugged sensing platform. Platform will contain enclosure, sensor mounts, electronics, micro- controller. Develop propulsion/steering system that can be incorporated into platform or be used as a modular drive train for platform Define sensing tasks for rover. Rover will autonomously move in certain environment or using adaptive sensing algorithm will move to areas of unusual/new sensing parameters. Deploy in environment

Details Contact Information –Prof. Jan Kleissl – Budget: –$500 shared machine shop expenses –$1500 parts –$2000 total