Creation of robot for subsurface void detection

Abstract

The Western Kentucky University Department of Engineering in support of the Center for Cave and Karst Studies has developed a robot which will be used to locate voids underground. The robot is a remotely controlled vehicle that uses microgravity to accurately detect and measure voids below the surface. The robot maneuvers rough terrain and carried the microgravity meter to locations that may be unsafe for people. This robot has many applications which include search and rescue and location of underground caves or tunnels. The robot also contains a GPS system with centimeter accuracy that will allow the user to precisely locate caves, tunnels, or air pockets underground. It is anticipated that the robot will be able to function up to a mile from the operator. It is hoped that this robot will also be used in military applications to locate other types of voids underground such as tunnels and bunkers. This paper will describe the construction of the robot and the use of microgravity technology to locate subsurface voids with the robot.