Robotic Mine Detectors

Written by Adam Sampedro on Sat 05/03/2008 at 2:52 pm

Everyone likes robots. They can entertain us, feed us hotdogs, impress us, and make everyday tasks more manageable. However, the “Mine Detection with Swarm Robotics” exhibit in the Xerox WOW! Center shows an example of robotics that can save lives.

The exhibit features small modular robots moving around on a sample course complete with fake landmines. The robots are customizable and can be reassembled in multiple ways. The robots are self-powered and relay information back to a wireless router. The robots follow a path until a mine is detected a few feet away. The robot then stops at the mine location. Some models are actually equipped with arms that will disarm the mine without human interaction. Similar robots can be used to detect extreme changes in temperature and slow the spread of large fires.

Of the many amazing robotics projects here at RIT, the mine detection robots exhibit showcases the hard work and innovation students use to make the world a safer place. New robots are being developed every day, and RIT is there to help. Not to mention that they are fun to watch.

Photo credit: Sarah White

Photo credit: Sarah White

Photo credit: Sarah White

Photo credit: Sarah White

Photo credit: Sarah White