Development of Mobile Photovoltaic Robot for Exploring Disaster Area

Abstract

A mobile robot for exploring disaster area in tropical region has been developed. It has capability to travel over a rough irregular terrain within disaster area and capable of performing a range of functions such as collecting samples and capturing images from the disaster scene. Furthermore, the robot is equipped with solar panel for extending the operation rather than relying on rechargeable battery only. Construction of the robot consists of 2 degrees of freedom (DOF) in robot arm, including gripper, wireless camera, wireless RF controller and electrical controller of photovoltaic system. The robot can be controlled remotely and also has capability to send captured images wirelessly to a designated controller/server. The transmitted live images can also be used to monitor robot movement and allow real time interactions between the operator and the robot.