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The "Centurion" Autonomous Ground Robotic Vehicle" developed through the combined efforts of approximately 50 BSC engineering technology students, provided a tangible example of applied technology that prompted the Central Measurement and Signature Intelligence Organization (MASINT) to award a $70,000 grant to the Applied Research & Technology Center (AR&TC) at BSC, to develop an autonomous robot capable of sensing toxic vapors and generating sophisticated visual and logistical information.
Dr. Robert Riggins, BSC Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology, will serve as principal investigator for the project, which will involve BSC Electrical Engineering Technology students, who will collect and review relevant research literature and equipment deployment, participate in laboratory preparation and test devices, subject to CMO approval.
"The objective of this project is to integrate sensors and a satellite communication system onto an autonomously controlled mobile robotic platform," noted Bruce Mutter, AR&TC Executive Director and BSC Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering Technology. The robot will be controlled and guided through Global Positioning System (GPS), sonar, and a vision system that includes diffuse visible sensors and a color video camera with image recognition, Mutter explained. The robot sensor system will weigh less than 300 pounds and be no larger than 4 feet-by-2 feet.
BSC students participating in the research project will utilize very sophisticated sensory and measurement equipment and will utilize "real world" applications for their classroom and laboratory instruction.
"This grant underwrites a research and development project that is intellectually stimulating and challenging for our students," Mutter continued. "We are grateful for the opportunity to conduct the research, develop the GRV, and integrate mobile sensors with the goal of providing data useful by the U.S. Government MASINT." May 8, 2002
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