Mobility Optimization via Enhanced Robotic Sensing (MOVERS)

Robotic Research in partnership with Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) proposes to develop the Mobility Optimization via Enhanced Robotic Sensing (MOVERS) system for any two-wheeled, four-wheeled or tracked robotic platform to autonomously perform hazardous terrain detection and classification and adjust its driving control strategy to safely negotiate hazardous terrain. Our goal is to develop automatic terrain classification and motion-control algorithms that will enable medical robots and mobility assist devices currently being developed by the US military to negotiate hazardous terrain. Various unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are being developed for search and rescue missions, casualty extraction, and other vital tasks. These platforms may have to drive through ice, mud, sand, loose/thick gravel, steep inclines and hills during their mission. These conditions can cause wheel/track slippage, sinkage or in the worst case, overturn, resulting in mission failure or endangering the life of a warfighter. Another application of this proposed technology is to assist wounded soldiers and disabled veterans who use electric powered wheel chairs (EPWs). This technology could help a disabled veteran navigate slippery/wet, sandy or muddy terrain by detecting the hazardous terrain type and adjusting the driving parameters of the EPW to safely drive without getting stuck or overturning.