(Bluefield)—With an eye toward enhancing its research sophistication and capabilities in the field of robotics, the Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART) at Bluefield State College has accepted an invitation to join the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).

AUVSI is the world’s largest nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community. “Vasilius,” an autonomous ground robotic vehicle designed and built by Bluefield State College students in an initiative underwritten by CART,” has won four world championships at the Intelligent Ground Vehicle competition during the past two years. “By holding membership in both AUVSI and in the Robotics Foundry, we can elevate our goals and objectives to an even higher level,” noted Bruce Mutter, CART Director. “As an AUVSI member organization, we can participate in additional opportunities for technology transfer and information exchange within the community of unmanned systems professionals.”

In August, Mutter and Dr. Robert Riggins (BSC Professor and Robotics Team Leader/Electrical Engineering Technology) will represent CART and BSC during AUVSI’s “Unmanned Systems North America 2004 Symposium and Exhibition” in Anaheim, CA. “Through our presentation and poster exhibit, we will detail improvements to ‘Vasilius,’ focusing primarily upon the programming changes and sensory filtering enhancements that have been implemented during the past year,” Mutter explained.

Vasilius utilizes algorithms to weigh and prioritize data from an integrated system of sensory capabilities, then prioritizes that data through a filtering system to make decisions and coordinate responses. The AUVSI event in August is expected to attract more than 3000 attendees from defense, professional, and academic communities.

July 8, 2004