Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Project

Description

I have always had an interest in robotics, so as an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta, I joined the Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Project. The purpose of the ARVP is to develp, apply, and promote technologies related to the field of robotics. When I first joined, the primary goal was to design and construct an autonomous ground vehicles to compete in the International Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC).

I took on a few different roles, from being part of the mechanical team, to leading the mechanical team, and eventually leading the project during my final year at U of A.

As a member of the URSA Major Mechanical Team, I helped detail and form a full drawing package to manufacture a new four wheeled platform. Due to a concurrent co-op term at the U of A machine shop, I also had the opportunity to be directly involved in the machining and construction of the various components. This included utilizing aluminum honeycomb panel and aircraft-construction-based riveting techniques to make an incredibly light yet rigid enclosure.

As Mechanical Team Leader for URSA Minor, I led a small team of engineers to make the necessary modifications to convert one-half of URSA Major into a three-wheeled robotic platform. This included designing an aesthetic shell using sheet metal features in CAD that was cut using a waterjet cutter, designing a mount for a caster, and designing a frame to hold the various electronic components and sensors.

As Project Leader, I led the interdisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers and computer science students in the continued development of URSA Minor and the transition to Underwater Autonomous Vehicles.

My Tasks

  • Contributed to detailed design, drawing package, and construction of Ursa Major, a four-wheeled autonomous robotic vehicle
  • Oversaw the necessary modifications of Ursa Major to produce Ursa Minor, a three-wheeled autonomous robotic vehicle
  • Utilized Pro/Engineer for solid modelling, detailing and creating drawing package for new robot
  • Designed and constructed aesthetic shell using rapid prototyping techniques and waterjet cutter
  • Troubleshot mechanical and electrical problems associated with motors and motor controllers
  • Managed interdisciplinary team of student volunteers
  • Organized and ran weekly meetings
  • Prepared budgets, proposals, and technical documentation
  • Interacted with public during outreach events
  • Led transition from ground vehicles to underwater vehicles.
  • Date: 2003-2007