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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Questions? 7