Drones for remote Sensing
About
Our vehicles are used in a variety of remote sampling missions. Among our most notable is the "SnotBot" mission in which a drone is used to collect biological samples (in the form of breath condensate or blow) from cetaceans during ocean research voyages. The value of using a robot for this particular mission is the increased safety, lowered cost, and ability for research scientists to focus on the analysis of samples (over collecting them). Additional research avenues that the group is pursuing includes oyster reef reconnaissance (viewing oyster beds from above over time to collect impact data, collecting water samples), forest fire mapping and tracking, and sample collection from volcanic vents. In all of these scenarios the design of the vehicle and related software is to enable non-robotic specialists to more effective conduct the necessary research and data collection they need to better impact policies or general scientific understandings.
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Partnership
Olin College and Ocean Alliance have partnered together in order to work on the SnotBot project. Ocean Alliance has been a global leader in cetacean research for over 40 years, and they are currently based out of Gloucester, MA. A team of scientists, marine biologists, and activists they are the direct end-user for a robot like SnotBot. Working with Ocean Alliance has given the research team an opportunity to actually apply their classroom skills to a testable and applicable platform while interacting with external-to-Olin parties.
We are currently collaborating with Scientific Systems and other research institutions (like UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, MIT) for related projects.
We are currently collaborating with Scientific Systems and other research institutions (like UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, MIT) for related projects.
Abilities - Present and future
At present, our vehicle can execute pre-defined GPS waypoint navigation missions, land and take-off autonomously, and visually servo around a known fiduciary. Development in vision and other sensory navigation is underway. All vehicles have the ability to be remotely operated by a human and a joystick. Using an opensource autopilot, the PixHawk, the team is developing their own intelligent software in parallel with designing and manufacturing custom adaptations on consumer drones. Looking to several years in the future, the addition of fixed-wing aircraft and developing multi-robot fleets are being considered.
Learn more
We are constantly considering all of the different applications our vehicle could be used for. Remote sampling and environmental monitoring is one of the most compelling use cases for autonomous flight vehicles. Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us!