Upon the construction of a remote controlled tracked reconnaissance vehicle

Abstract

[Abstract]: The aim of this project is to investigate, construct and evaluate a radio controlled tracked reconnaissance and inspection vehicle. It is envisaged that this project would implement a series of wireless web cams or video cameras to transmit a video feed back to a remote portable location to allow for the inspection of hazardous and inaccessible locations. The concept of having mobile robots that are able to control themselves in either an autonomous or semiautonomous operational mode is not at all new. Over the years there have been many different attempts at constructing robots capable of this feat. Generally, most robots of this nature are designed primarily for military use. Under military use, these robots are often deployed for bomb diffusion and bomb placement as well as general reconnaissance. The primary objectives of this project were to construct a remote controlled semi-autonomous robotic tracked inspection vehicle for the inspection of hazardous and inaccessible locations. It was also necessary that this vehicle be highly stable, and easily adaptable to form the basis for further developments of suitable attachments such as grapplers or robotic manipulators such as arms and hands. The main design criteria for this device were: - Must be able to be constructed from easily available materials and components. - Must be ruggered and durable especially if it is to be used in hostile environments. - Must be easy and intuitive to operate to facilitate ease of use. - Must have sufficient power and runtime to make its deployment worthwhile. In conclusion, the device which was designed and constructed implemented various components; a large number of these components had to be custom manufactured for this device. Once construction was complete, it underwent numerous hours of infield testing in order to determine its effectively as a remote mobile tracked reconnaissance and inspection vehicle.