Acquisition of Advanced Robotics and Autonomous Vehicle Technology (ARAVT) for Research in Smart Grid Systems, Teaching, and K-12 Outreach at the University of the District of Columbia
Abstract
We hereby seek DoD support to conduct the proposed research, teaching and K-12 activities at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The scientific objectives of this proposal are as follows: a) Rationalize the importance of advanced open architecture, ground based robotics systems and autonomous air vehicle technology, which is crucial for the STEM programs at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC); b) Define the major research projects that will result from open architecture ground robot systems, real time hardware and software communication between devices, and autonomous air vehicle technology that will contribute to the implementation of Smart Grid (SG) systems. This new equipment will enhance UDCÕs research capability and improve the quality of the existing STEM programs. UDC is an HBCU institution located in Washington, D.C., where 80% of the of the roughly 6000 students at UDC are underrepresented minority and female students and 60% of the total student population are women. In this project, our methodology for accomplishing the aforementioned scientific objectives is through the establishment of an Acquisition of Advanced Robotics and Autonomous Vehicle Technology (ARAVT) laboratory. This new research and teaching capability will enhance and integrate with the existing mechatronics and smart grid STEM education streams at UDC by leveraging a common software development environment in MATLAB/Simulink. Furthermore, the ABET aligned curriculum that is provided with the equipment in modular format will enable easy integration into the existing curriculum and courses which will be leveraging this laboratory. The advanced research equipment procured with the HBCU funds will be housed in the measurements and instrumentation laboratory on the main campus at UDC and will include multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV). As a part of research on UAVs at UDC, the new equipment will enable research on battery-powered flying drones that are performing all types of non-lethal tasks such as: (1) flying over solar parks as well as onshore and offshore wind farms to look for maintenance issues, (2) inspecting electric transmission lines especially for those lines which are stretched over untracked terrains like deserts and mountains, and (3) monitoring threats at strategic observation areas. The research on UGVs, in contrast, will be (1) patrolling inside the solar parks and wind farms without human intervention to inspect and look for maintenance problems, (2) passing through constricted portals, and (3) monitoring potential threats at observation areas. In addition to research, the new equipment will be used for the laboratory component of a new Robotics and SG course being developed at UDC. The equipment will also be integrated into existing course to provide student hands-on exposure to advanced research-grade technology. As such capability does not currently exist at UDC, this new laboratory and equipment will act as a springboard for UDC to rapidly develop research and teaching capabilities in this space. Finally, UDC has a strong K-12 STEM outreach strategy that includes programs such as ÒSchool of Engineering and Applied Sciences Discover Innovation DayÓ and ÒCareer Exploration DayÓ, which provides experiential learning experience for UDC STEM majors and prospective students. The new ARAVT laboratory will become a key and integral part of UDCÕs K-12 STEM outreach strategy and activities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910441
Entities
People
- Amir Shahirinia
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of the District of Columbia