Advanced Control and Data Analysis in Support of Unmanned Vehicle Operators

Mobile robots equipped with chemical, radiological and explosive detectors are deployed during events where CBRNE materials have been dispersed; sending robots provides key reconnaissance data while reducing personnel exposure. Operators rely on camera views and on-board detectors to drive the robots using joysticks, and they have to control every aspect of the robot operation. Live detector data collected by the robot can be overlaid on maps. However, insufficient situational awareness, sparse and inaccurate data put a significant demand on the operators for navigating the robot, mapping the contamination levels and locating the hazard in time efficient fashion. This proposed research project will develop proof-of-concept advanced robot controls and comprehensive analytical tools that can assist mobile robot operators to make faster and more correct decisions, increase robots’ safety and mobility during a real-time situation in complex environments. Some of these concepts may be adopted in prototypes and products in the future.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Raquel Urtasun

Student:

Yangji Hu

Partner:

MDA Corporation

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

University of Toronto