Project Info
Robot-Assisted Autonomous Infrastructure Inspection
Hao Zhang | hzhang@mines.edu and Andrew Petruska | apetruska@mines.edu
The goal of the project is to develop a mobile robot to perform autonomous and intelligent inspection of infrastructure such as power plant boilers and pipeline networks. The project will focus on the integration of inspection sensors and repair tools onto a tracked mobile robot platform, as well as the implementation of a software system based on the Robot Operating System (ROS) for robot control and inspection data acquisition.
Elucidate the interdisciplinary nature of the project
The robotics project has the interdisciplinary nature as it involves both hardware and software design, and requires expertise in the areas of computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Students and faculty from these areas will work together to implement a unified robotic system for infrastructure inspection.
More Information
Human-Centered Robotics Lab: http://hcr.mines.edu/research.html
Grand Engineering Challenge: Restore and improve urban infrastructure
Student Preparation
Qualifications
C++ and Python programming skills are required. Experience in Robot Operating System (ROS), robot control, sensor design, and 3D printing is preferred.
Time Commitment
4-5 hours/week
Skills/Techniques Gained
Design skills of integrated complex hardware-software system, research skills of applying CS, ME and EE knowledge to robotics, and collaboration skills to work in an interdisciplinary team.
Mentoring Plan
Undergraduate students in this project will collaborate with graduate students working on related projects, so students can have day-to-day communication with other teammates. Students will also meet the professors weekly and attend bi-weekly project meetings that involve all team members.