Mechatronics for Humanitarian Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Cambodia

Abstract

Over the past six years, researchers at Villanova University (VU) and the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation (GWHF) have developed an integrated research and educational program focused on the use of mechatronics and robotics in humanitarian explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and mine action. In the following article, I will talk about this program, discuss two ongoing projects - a low-cost EOD robot and an automated ordnance identification system - and talk about how we have successfully integrated students in the work. There are many opportunities for the DSCD community to get involved in this area and hopefully this article will pique your interest.