Research
Introduction- The goal of this project is to create a tethered robot that can travel on land and in water, and has the capability to retrieve objects. Research for this project will be focused around aquatic disasters, the ocean environment, disaster conditions, use by rescue personnel, and other related topics.
The problem- Aquatic disaster scenarios are dangerous, and they happen all over the world. I began my research into this area with the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, ROV robots were used to take pictures of the broken oil well and also helped perform tasks that were too deep or dangerous for humans. Research was also conducted regarding the use of ROV robots to rescue victims of shipwrecks and capsized boats. From this research, it is apparent that robotic vehicles are extremely helpful in a wide variety of situations.
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| The above images illustrate dangerous aquatic disasters, in which robotic assistance would be of great help to rescue workers who must put their lives at risk to save equpiment and personnel. |
The environment- Natural and manmade disasters can have a crucial effect on the environment, and the environment can also have an effect on rescue operations. Rough seas can make it difficult for humans to rescue people from shipwrecks or similar situations. In addition, weather and water temperature can prevent divers from reaching crucial places during a disaster. From my research, I have learned that ROV’s have been used in extreme cold and depth to rescue survivors and retrieve bodies, as well as cap oil wells and explore sunken wrecks and wildlife. Although the environment can make it difficult to reach places, robots can really help by allowing cameras and equipment to travel where humans cannot go.
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| The environmental conditions surrounding a disaster can often inhibit rescue and recovery efforts. The above images illustrate the dangerous conditions that can arise in an aquatic scenario. |
Conditions of use- As stated previously, robots usually operate in unforgiving conditions. This means that they have to be built to withstand the pressures they will experience in the field. For example, the robots used in expeditions to the RMS Titanic, which lies at a depth of about 2.5 miles, must be incredibly resilient to extreme pressure. ROV’s must also be able to operate in extreme cold or heat, rough weather, and in cloudy, dark water. On-land robots must be resilient as well, such as those used by the military to check dangerous areas for bombs. ROV’s that travel on land must also have off-road capabilities, to allow them to travel on dust or rocks without becoming trapped or flipping over.
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| Above are some examples of vehicles that endure similar conditions of use to the proposed TOV |
The user- As conditions are often dangerous in a rescue situation, the use of a robot would greatly increase victims’ chances of survival. In my research, I came upon stories of rescue operations that were called off due to dangerous weather conditions. If these operations had access to robotic support, they may have been able to continue searching for a longer period. Robotic support vehicles would help rescue personnel by allowing them to conduct rescue attempts from safety rather than endangering themselves or other members of their team.
Works Cited
Crosby, Johanna. 31 August 2010. Quack! Make Way for the Duck Mobile, Cape Cod Day. Retrieved August 20 2011 <http://www.wickedlocal.com/capecod/features/x861571985/Quack-Make-way-for-the-duckmobile#axzz1X6idvQKH>
Horton, Paula. 2011, March. Franklin County Wants Underwater Robot, The News Tribune. Retrieved March 24, 2011. <www.thenewstribune.com>
Naus, Christopher. 4 September 2011. Authorities Abandon Search for Swimmer, http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/authorities-abandon-search-for-swimmer/2282084.aspx
Remotely Operated Vehicles , bp. Retrieved 10 July 2011. <http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle800.do?categoryId=9036600&contentId=7067604>
2010, July. Relief, Restoration, and Reform, Ocean Conservacy. Retrieved August 29, 2011. <http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/bp-oil-spill/>
7 September 2006. Canadian Forces Ordering Vanguard UGV’s for Bomb Disposal. Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved September 3, 2011 <http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/canadian-forces-ordering-vanguard-ugvs-for-bomb-disposal-02588/>
8 February 2011. Underwater Robot to Search Lake for Man, Nelson Mail. Retrieved 10 Febuary 2011. <http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/4630279/Underwater-robot-to-search-lake-for-man>
12 June 2004. R.M.S. Titanic 2004 Expedition, Ocean Explorer. Retrieved August 29, 2011. <http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/04titanic/welcome.html>
Brainstorming
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| The above page consists of sketches and notes written during the brainstorming phase. Ideas shown here include arm design and "duckmobile" hull shape |
