Hands-on Experiments with Teams of Tiny Ground Robots and Drones

The project focuses on programming tiny (palm sized) ground-based robots and aerial robots (aka drones), and performing experiments with them in a motion capture facility that tracks each robot individually. We can also use an overhead projector to project virtual maps and environments over which the robots will operate. The goal of this project is to test and validate various multi-robot and robot swarm applications such as area coverage, hazard localization, formation flight and multi-task completion. These algorithms are connected with real-world applications mainly in disaster response (e.g., flood response, finding skiers trapped under avalanche, search and rescue etc.), pollution clean-up and goods/material transportation. These small lab-scale experiments with the tiny robots will serve as a scaled down validation of how effective (aka efficient, fast, reliable) will be such multi-robot solutions in real-world applications. In corollary, we will also study the interactions of these teams of tiny robots with human supervisors that communicate with them through a computer game based interface. This UG research opportunity is part of a larger project funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).

Depending on student background and expected time commitment, hourly support (remuneration) might be available for working on this project. Preferred skills include some programming experience in Python or C. Any prior experience working with robots, drones, sensors and other embedded systems including Raspberry Pi's is a plus. Students from all engineering disciplines are encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

Technical Outcomes:
1. Development of experimental protocols for multi-robot and robot-swarm applications
2. Validation of our multi-robot algorithms
3. Identification of potential design improvements to the robots
4. Cool videos to showcase our multi-robot technologies
5. Technical presentations/publications at top Design and Robotics conferences.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Programming in Python
2. How to run codes on small robots, and communicate with them over a wireless network
3. Using motion capture facility for tracking robots
4. Introduction to Robotic Operating System (ROS)
5. How to work in a team setting on a high-impact fast paced project

• Prajit (Ph.D. student)
• Henry (U.G. student

Lab Website: http://adams.eng.buffalo.edu/

• Read the survey paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2020.00036/full

engineering, robotics, drones, artificial intelligence, disaster response, programming, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering