Sensor-Smart Affordable Autonomous Robotic Platforms (SAARP)

Sensor-smart Affordable Autonomous Robotic Platforms (SAARP) is developing low cost autonomous robotic platforms to perform searching, mapping, and navigation tasks with minimal operator interaction. These inexpensive robotic platforms can quickly be deployed by first responders to provide a wide range of capabilities for a variety of missions; search and rescue, carrying sensors to determine environmental conditions (chemical, biological, radiological, oxygen levels, explosive detection, heat level), 2D and 3D mapping, and overall situational awareness for firefighters, law enforcement, and command center coordinators. Because there may be disruptions in communications, especially when working in and around collapsed structures, inside buildings, or tunnels, and also a limited number of personal to operate robotic assets, the system must have autonomous capabilities, be communications resilient and work in both GPS and GPS-denied areas. Robotic Research, LLC's previously developed autonomous mobility package for use with multiple robotic platforms provides autonomy, however must be modified to meet the low cost requirement. High cost sensors that allow for autonomous functionality, are the main obstacles to low cost. SAARP is focused on an alternative sensor head that uses structure light. The result will be a demonstration of a low cost, small, autonomous ground robotic platform.