<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1700760608566-Screenshot+2023-11-23+192950.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Refineries, with their challenging conditions, rely on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspections to ensure safety and reliability. Flare stacks, crucial assets within these refineries, require special attention. Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) inspections play a vital role in maintaining flare stack integrity, preventing incidents, and enabling proactive maintenance.&nbsp;Flare stacks are undeniably vital components but inspecting them has historically been challenging due to their high temperature and heights. Conventional methods often required shutting down the stacks, resulting in productivity losses. Inspectors also had to use ropes or scaffolding, introducing risks and incurring significant time and resource expenses.&nbsp;In the past, conventional inspection methods in refineries were marked by their costliness, time-consuming nature, and inherent risks, particularly in the case of flare stack inspections. However, the introduction of intelligent flying robots has been a game-changer. These innovative robots can seamlessly conduct inspections while flare stacks remain operational, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.&nbsp;Avestec is on a mission to enhance safety for NDT inspection crews by introducing cutting-edge technology. Safety is the top priority at Avestec, and the introduction of SKYRON has significantly elevated safety standards for inspecting refineries and their assets. Flare stacks, notorious for their extreme temperatures, have made traditional inspections a risky endeavor. SKYRON eliminates these risks by conducting inspections without human intervention, ensuring the safety and well-being of inspection crews.&nbsp;SKYRON redefines inspection efficiency. Unlike traditional methods that require time-consuming setup and human work in heights, the intelligent flying robot can swiftly deploy to fly, attach, and measure these assets. It easily navigates the heights of flare stacks, offering comprehensive inspections in a fraction of the time it would take an entire human inspection crew. This enhanced efficiency translates to significant cost savings, making inspections safer and more cost-effective.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1700760706840-Screenshot+2023-11-23+193128.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">One of the most significant advantages of employing SKYRON for flare stack inspections is the ability to avoid shutdowns. In traditional methods, shutting down operations was often necessary to ensure personnel's safety by preventing contact with hot surfaces. This not only incurred substantial costs but also led to production interruptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<iframe id="6433ae788de910000801b259" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/skyron?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>SKYRON, with its ability to perform inspections without the need for human contact, eliminates the need for shutdowns. This breakthrough ensures uninterrupted operations, saving both time and money. The cost savings achieved by avoiding shutdowns can be substantial, especially in industries where downtime is a critical concern.&nbsp;Efficiency isn't just about speed; it's also about precision. SKYRON's advanced rotary arm, equipped with a 38DL PLUS gauge, captures detailed data, providing a comprehensive assessment of the inspected areas. This precision is vital for informed decisions about maintenance and repair, ensuring that potential issues are addressed promptly.&nbsp;By utilizing SKYRON for flare stack inspections, safety is prioritized. The intelligent flying robot can operate in extreme temperatures without risking human lives, making inspections in challenging environments significantly safer. Inspectors remain at a safe distance on the ground. Furthermore, SKYRON's ability to reach areas that are difficult to access for human inspectors minimizes the risks associated with manual inspections, ensuring that even the most hard-to-reach spots are thoroughly examined.&nbsp; In conclusion, the introduction of SKYRON has ushered in a new era of safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for inspecting challenging flare stack hot surfaces. The ability to conduct inspections without human contact of these high-temperature environments is a testament to the transformative power of advanced technology.&nbsp;SKYRON has left an indelible mark as a groundbreaking innovation, revolutionizing the way we approach inspections in challenging industrial environments. In doing so, it ensures that safety remains paramount, efficiency is redefined, and cost-effectiveness is unleashed, making it a key player in the future of industrial inspections, particularly in the realm of flare stack hot surfaces.&nbsp;

Refineries, with their challenging conditions, rely on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspections to ensure safety and reliability. 

Elevating Safety and Efficiency in Flare Stack Inspections

As the global adoption of uncrewed vehicles gains momentum in firefighting operations, it's evident that these technological advancements hold immense potential. 


Why drones are the next step to managing dire responses globally

Maintenance teams and materials have to travel long distances to reach offshore wind turbines. Can drones take over transport tasks and relieve maintenance personnel? The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is investigating the possibilities and requirements together with the energy supplier Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW). In this context, an unmanned DLR small helicopter has now flown to a wind turbine and automatically communicated with it. Seven commercial drone manufacturers will follow up on the findings to further advance the technology developed at DLR. To this end, DLR and EnBW are organising the '<a href="https://www.enbw.com/renewable-energy/wind-energy/our-offshore-wind-farms/offshore-logistics-drones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Offshore Drone Challenge'</a> (ODC) in June 2024 at the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/ux/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-13303/29379_read-76977/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems</a> in <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/locations-and-offices/cochstedt" target="_blank">Cochstedt</a>.The wake turbulence of wind turbines can strongly affect drones. The drone requires a lot of power to compensate for the air turbulence. "For automated use in a wind farm, the drone must therefore exchange information with the turbines," says Sebastian Cain from <a href="https://www.dlr.de/ft/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1336/1837_read-32330/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the DLR Institute of Flight Systems</a>, which is leading the project. It is important that the drone and the wind turbine 'understand' each other well. "The drone needs to find the optimum route autonomously. To do this, it needs data from the turbines and wind turbines may have to be stopped so that the drone can reach its destination safely." The interruption in turbine operation – and thus in power generation – needs to be as short as possible.<h2>Communication between wind farm system and superARTIS successfully demonstrated</h2>At the beginning of October 2023, the unmanned DLR small helicopter <a href="https://www.dlr.de/de/forschung-und-transfer/forschungsinfrastruktur/grossforschungsanlagen/superartis" target="_blank">superARTIS</a> took off at the EnBW wind farm in Schwienau (Lower Saxony). superARTIS included information on the operating status of the individual wind turbines, weather information and wake turbulence in the calculation of its flightpath. By means of communications interfaces, the aircraft announced its arrival at a wind turbine. A simulated control room approved the approach, and the controlled wind turbine was stopped. The aircraft was able to approach without danger. The turbine was then reactivated. Had the drone not received clearance, it would have automatically entered a holding pattern. For a realistic scenario, the researchers attached a payload to the aircraft. The test did not take place offshore but on land, to make it safer and easier to conduct the experiments. "However, the results can be transferred to offshore installations. The communication between the flying vehicle and the turbine was conceptualised for offshore operation and is being studied in simulations for this purpose," explains Sebastien Cain.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1699581191327-image-1600-89a9ce22ef9de5a5c8ca1ffcc8ec5c3b.jpeg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Together with the energy company EnBW, DLR is investigating whether the use of drones can simplify logistics for offshore wind turbines. Researchers from the DLR Institute of Flight Systems used the unmanned DLR superARTIS helicopter for flight tests. These tests were conducted as part of the 'Upcoming Drones Windfarm' project. Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)<h2 id="isPasted">Commercial enterprises benefit from research results</h2>The flight test was an important intermediate step in the 'Upcoming Drones Windfarm' (UDW) project organised by DLR and EnBW. The aim of the project is to find out the conditions and necessary steps for the realisation of drone operations, initially for the transport of materials, and subsequently also for passenger transport. The project also includes the 'Offshore Drone Challenge' (ODC), where drone manufacturers and service providers will present suitable solutions. The stakeholders will be able to benefit from the current research results. Companies Anavia, Flowcopter, Flying Basket, HyFly, NEXaero, Unmanned Helicopters and Volocopter were selected and will now present their technologies in Cochstedt during June 2024."We will see several firsts in terms of the number and size of the aircraft," says Sebastian Cain. "In addition, they will all contribute to making the Offshore Drone Challenge a venue for drone demonstrations. It will also create a space for an exchange on technology, business and regulatory matters." Michael Splett, Head of Offshore Operations at EnBW and a member of the National Drone Council of the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr; BMDV), adds: "Offshore wind energy is indispensable for the energy transition and a sustainable energy supply. As operators, it is our task to bring together the two technologies of wind energy and heavy-lift drones. Accordingly, with the ODC we are taking an important step to further explore the realisation of future drone operations."<h2>Test flight maneouvres at the Offshore Drone Challenge in Cochstedt</h2>The Challenge in Cochstedt will focus on testing flight manoeuvres that are relevant to the operation and maintenance logistics for offshore wind farms. This includes software topics as well as design modifications to connect the 'drone' and 'wind farm' systems. The Challenge will be carried out on land, as this is significantly safer, simpler and more cost-effective than the subsequent application at sea. The seven drone manufacturers and service providers will be able put their technologies to the test during the Challenge, which will be held over two days. The various stages include tasks such as picking up and setting down a load as automatically as possible or flying beyond line of sight.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1699581095450-image-1600-8d391c8898893358433a98bded40d44b.jpeg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The participants of the Offshore Drone Challenge present their technologies in June 2024. The Offshore Drone Challenge will take place at DLR's National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt. Credit: EnBWIn addition to the DLR Institute of Flight Systems in <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/locations-and-offices/braunschweig" target="_blank">Braunschweig</a> and the National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/lv/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-18931/30340_read-83666/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DLR Institute of Air Transport</a> in <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/dlr/locations-and-offices/hamburg" target="_blank">Hamburg</a> is also involved in the Upcoming Drones Windfarm project.The project is being funded by the <a href="https://www.bmwk.de/Navigation/EN/Home/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action</a> (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz; BMWK).<h3 id="isPasted">Safe operation of unmanned aircraft systems</h3>The aim of the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/ft" target="_blank">research and development work</a> at the Institute of Flight Systems is the simple and safe operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) under complex conditions – challenging weather conditions, obstacle-rich flight environments and interactions with other traffic. One focus is on unmanned cargo transport, together with the development of hardware and software components and the necessary approvals. For this purpose, the Institute operates several unmanned aerial vehicles as test systems.<h3>DLR National Test Center in Cochstedt</h3>The <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/images/institutes-1/national-experimental-test-center-for-unmanned-aircraft-systems" target="_blank">DLR National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems</a> is located in Cochstedt. The testing centre allows networking between interested parties and enables the further development of technologies for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The test site in Saxony-Anhalt is accessible to users from start-ups through to the established air transport industry for research and testing. It also acts as an incubator and enabler for start-ups and SMEs. In Cochstedt, UAS technologies can be tested under real conditions before they find their way into everyday use.

The test flight with the unmanned DLR superARTIS helicopter was an important milestone for the 'Upcoming Drones Windfarm' project. The project, which is being carried out by the DLR Institute of Flight Systems together with the energy company EnBW, focuses on the question of whether drones can take over transport tasks for offshore wind farms and relieve maintenance personnel. Credit: DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

Logistics for offshore wind farms could be simplified with the use of drones. DLR is working with energy supplier EnBW to determine requirements and possibilities.

Drones to transport personnel and materials to offshore wind farms

There’s a new robot in town. Actually, there are two of them.They’re small but mighty. In fact, numerous universities and robotics labs already use their predecessor for high-level research. That original robot, the AgileX LIMO, was a game-changer when it came to an affordable and flexible platform. Boston University currently has a fleet of LIMOs running custom algorithms and simulations related to how real-world autonomous vehicles will interact in the Smart Cities of the future. (It’s really cool research, and you can read all about it <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/boston-university-uses-agilex-limo-for-research/" target="_blank">here</a>.)That first LIMO was truly a ground-breaker – and remains an excellent R&amp;D research platform. But now, AgileX has taken things further. Two new versions of LIMO offer advanced hardware, software, runtime – and capabilities.Below: The original LIMO that started it all…<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk5MzAzMjcwNzgyLUxJTU8gb24gcm9jay5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h3 id="isPasted">Main Features</h3>Before we get into the significant changes incorporated into the new models, it's worth looking at some of the strong features common to all members of the LIMO family. For starters, each LIMO has four steering modes: Omnidirectional steering, tracked steering, Ackerman and four-wheel differential.All LIMOs are equipped with obstacle detection. Multiple onboard sensors can pick up on the size, distance and location of obstacles, allowing the robot to navigate its environment without conflict. The newer LIMO models have significant enhancements here, which we'll explore in a moment.Despite their relatively small size – so small an untrained eye might potentially mistake them for a toy – the LIMOs feature a robust, all-metal build and powerful motor. They also feature powerful onboard EDGE computing suitable to pretty much any R&amp;D requirements.&nbsp;<h3>Who Uses the LIMO robot?</h3>There are really two main categories of users, with the first being those in the educational field."This is a great tool for anyone looking to learn ROS, because they can do all of the advanced concepts – obstacle detection, SLAM, teleoperation, to name a few," explains Luke Corbeth, Head of InDro's R&amp;D Sales Division."And we make that really simple through our improved documentation. We’ve basically built a course around it, so it can be used for teaching students."The other main group of users, of course, are on the research side of things."It’s almost always used in labs for multi-agent systems or multiple robot projects. Because it’s multi-modal, when you're doing a multi-agent system it can be homogenous or heterogeneous, meaning you use different steering in different robots simultaneously."Dimensions of all versions of LIMO are identical, as seen below.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk5MzA0NjE2MTM4LUxJTU8gVGVjaCBTcGVjcyBmb3IgV2V2b2x2ZXIgUG9zdC5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h3 id="isPasted">Meet the New LIMOs</h3>The original LIMO is still a great robot – and is currently in use by many universities. But AgileX didn't rest on its laurels. In response to the availability of new technologies – along with a wish-list from existing clients – the company has taken things further with its new LIMO PRO and the LIMO ROS2."Obviously as research in autonomy advances, so do the computational requirements," explains Corbeth. "So it’s very important as a robotics manufacturer to stay ahead of the curve so that the hardware meets up with the current research requirements of the day."To that end, the new versions feature upgrades on computational power, sensors and run-time."The big difference is in compute – we're moving from the Jetson Xavier to the Jetson Orin Nano on the LIMO PRO and the INTEL NUC on the LIMO ROS2. Both of these are actually massive upgrades."The Orin Nano is a very powerful EDGE computer. That power translates into more stable multi-sensor data fusion and speed with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) processing.Speaking of SLAM, the LIMO PRO and LIMO ROS2 come with a new LiDAR unit. While the original LIMO used the very capable EAI X2L unit, the new versions come with the EAI T-mini Pro."Plus, the battery in the new unit goes from an hour of run-time to 2-1/2 hours – with a standby of four hours," adds Corbeth.&nbsp;<h3>SOFTWARE</h3>Not surprisingly, the two new versions also feature some software upgrades. The LIMO PRO and ROS2 versions come with Ubuntu 20.04 (the original LIMO runs version 18.04). In terms of ROS (Robot Operating System) libraries, the first generation LIMO is outfitted with ROS1 Melodic. The LIMO PRO features both ROS1 Noetic and ROS2 Foxy. The LIMO ROS2 has ROS2 Humble onboard.Already have some of the first-generation LIMOs in your lab? No problem."The new models can co-exist with the original LIMO," says Corbeth. "And if the computing demands are higher than previous applications, it makes sense of have a blend of models."The graphic below outlines the feature sets of the three models:<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk5MzA2MzQ4ODk4LUxJTU8gQ29tcGFyaXNvbiBDaGFydC5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h3 id="isPasted">INDRO'S TAKE</h3>InDro Robotics has a lot of clients who have put the original LIMO to use in labs and educational institutes across North America. Boston University has a very large fleet of LIMOs deployed – hard at work on multiple research projects related to Smart Cities and autonomous vehicles. They've proven to be a robust, cost-effective tool for high-level research.And now, with the fresh release of LIMO PRO and LIMO ROS2, there are two more affordable options."This is a significant development for anyone looking to expand their current fleet of LIMOS, as well as those who have been waiting in the wings for an upgrade," says Corbeth. "These are incredibly powerful and versatile robots/research tools, with the added bonus that the entire line is very affordable."If you're interested in learning more, InDro Robotics is the exclusive distributor of AgileX in Canada, as well as a distributor for all of North America. We have built excellent documentation and manuals to assist users ranging from beginning to expert – and all of that added value and support comes with every purchase made through InDro.For more information from a robot expert, contact Luke Corbeth <a href="https://indrorobotics.ca/connectwithanexpert/" target="_blank">here.</a>

Bringing Advanced Abilities to Research and Development

LIMO Pro Robot and LIMO ROS2

Exploring Cutting-Edge Research with the LIMO Robot

Boston University Uses LIMO Robot For Research

Effective time management is essential when conducting inspections on container ships, as it directly influences the cost-effectiveness and competitiveness of maritime cargo transportation. Inspection plays a&nbsp;crucial&nbsp;role in ensuring container ship safety, averting cargo damage,&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;compliance with environmental rules, and preserving the vessel's value.&nbsp;Ensuring the safety and dependability of container ships involves employing fundamental methods such as contact-based Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) inspections and visual assessments.&nbsp;These inspections proactively&nbsp;identify&nbsp;potential issues before they escalate into significant concerns, thereby aiding in the prevention of maritime mishaps.&nbsp;&nbsp; Regularly inspecting cargo vessels becomes a complex task due to their significant size,&nbsp;necessitating&nbsp;careful maneuvering to access various compartments, structures, and cargo holds.&nbsp;Traditional approaches, like rope access and scaffolding, come with inherent risks and time consumption. Addressing these hurdles, innovative flying robots have&nbsp;emerged&nbsp;as&nbsp;an optimal&nbsp;solution for ship inspections.&nbsp;Avestec's&nbsp;intelligent airborne robot, SKYRON, effectively addresses the difficulties&nbsp;encountered&nbsp;in ship inspections.&nbsp;Watch the video above to see how SKYRON performed UT and visual inspections on a container ship in Vancouver, Canada. It focused on checking the back wall of the cargo hold, the guides for the columns, and the ship's side facing the water. This inspection happened while the ship was parked at the port to unload cargo, highlighting the importance of saving time. SKYRON is a highly advanced flying robot designed for various inspections, reducing risks for&nbsp;humans&nbsp;and cutting down on inspection time and costs.&nbsp;

Watch How Flying Robots Like SKYRON Are Redefining Safety Checks at Sea 

From Robo-Flyers to Smart Scans, Unveiling the Future of Vessel Safety and Performance

Natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires can cause immense damage to human life and property. In recent years, technology has evolved to the point where uncrewed vehicles can be used to help mitigate the effects of disasters. They excel in areas where human access might be limited or hazardous, enabling them to perform critical tasks such as pre-disaster monitoring, post-disaster assessment, debris removal, supply delivery, and environmental data collection.&nbsp;Critical to utilising uncrewed vehicles for disaster relief is the ability to coordinate vehicles into autonomous fleets and leverage live video links for real-time observation. An example of this is <a href="https://www.cloudgroundcontrol.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cloud Ground Control (CGC)</a>, a platform that can elevate uncrewed vehicles to be effectively employed in managing and mitigating natural disasters.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Utilising uncrewed vehicles for pre-disaster preparedness</h2>Uncrewed vehicles can be leveraged pre-disaster, such as mapping risk areas and identifying changing environmental conditions as well as post-disaster, for example risk mitigation, rescue and relief.&nbsp;The foremost strategy to disaster mitigation is pre-disaster preparedness which refers to the monitoring of disaster-prone areas and detecting changes in environmental parameters. These changes help scientists in predicting when a climatic anomaly or disaster may take place and aid in taking preventive actions. Uncrewed vehicles use sensors to gather data in real-time. This data is then sent to software with special algorithms that automatically analyse it and trigger specific actions based on AI interpretation of the results.CGC, for example, aggregates the data collected from multiple uncrewed vehicles and stores it in a centralised cloud-based platform. This central repository ensures that all relevant data is accessible to decision-makers and experts involved in disaster preparedness. The sensors gather data across a wide spectrum of phenomena, such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric composition, electromagnetic radiation, and more. For instance, temperature sensors employ thermoelectric materials to convert thermal energy into measurable electrical signals. Electromagnetic sensors exploit interactions between electromagnetic fields and their target materials to discern properties like object proximity, material composition, or radiation intensity. In the realm of pre-disaster preparedness, the utilisation of uncrewed vehicles equipped with these sensors brings substantial advantages. Firstly, the real-time data collection capability of these sensors enables the continuous monitoring of key environmental parameters that might serve as early indicators of impending disasters.&nbsp;For instance, sudden shifts in temperature, atmospheric pressure, or gas composition could signify the onset of natural events like wildfires, tsunamis, or seismic activities. By promptly identifying these anomalies, authorities and response teams can be promptly alerted, allowing for timely evacuation and mitigation measures. The robust data security measures offered by platforms like CGC ensure the safeguarding of critical environmental and situational data collected by uncrewed vehicles, enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of pre-disaster preparedness efforts. Moreover, the automated relay of sensor-derived data to software integrated with specialised algorithms enables swift data analysis, extracting meaningful patterns and anomalies from the collected information. This analytical process aids in identifying potential disaster precursors, assisting experts in making informed decisions and predictions. The subsequent activation of specific actions through AI-driven interpretation further enhances preparedness.&nbsp;For instance, if a sudden increase in gas concentration indicative of a chemical leak is detected, AI can trigger the deployment of containment measures, thus minimising potential harm to human life and the environment.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Mapping an area post-disaster</h2>While preparing for natural disasters is key, once they strike, uncrewed vehicles can be on scene rapidly to provide a response. Uncrewed vehicles can be equipped with an array of sensing technologies to accurately map and analyse disaster-stricken areas. These maps are extremely helpful in aiding and increasing the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts. They allow relief workers to identify critical regions and prioritise response efforts. Thermal camera drones can scan a large area and fly over collapsed structures to identify people in distress. Drones can also be employed for pre-and post-disaster large scale 3D mapping of an area which can help in preventive measures before possible disasters and relief efforts afterwards.&nbsp;Furthermore, uncrewed vehicles contribute to post-disaster mapping, surveying, and assessment. Utilising CGC’s cellular micro-modem CGConnect, uncrewed vehicles can be seamlessly linked to a cloud-based drone fleet management platform, enabling real-time live-streaming, command, and control from a web browser. Instead of having to collect data from multiple drones after they have conducted surveys, CGC allows for a simultaneous data collection and transmission from the entire drone fleet of up to 1000 uncrewed vehicles. This significantly enhances emergency response and disaster relief capabilities.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Humanitarian Relief</h2>Another important use of uncrewed vehicles in disaster relief efforts is their ability to quickly deliver lifesaving supplies. Drones and other unmanned vehicles are currently being employed to directly deliver food, water, and medical supplies to people affected by natural calamities. Due to their maneuverability and flight capability, aerial drones respond much faster in many areas compared to crewed vehicles.&nbsp;Additionally, uncrewed water vehicles (UWVs) can be used to transport supplies and people across flooded areas. These UWVs are equipped with GPS and obstacle detection systems to navigate submerged streets and obstacles effectively. Using their payload capacity, the UWVs travel through flooded neighborhoods, delivering supplies directly to doorsteps where people are stranded.&nbsp;Technology plays a huge role in this, for example CGC can serve as a central platform for coordinating the delivery of such lifesaving supplies. It enables real-time tracking of multiple vehicles' locations, routes, and cargo status. Relief teams can monitor the progress of supply deliveries and adjust routes in response to changing conditions or emerging priorities.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">An ongoing development&nbsp;</h2>Uncrewed vehicles have the potential to revolutionise the way we respond to natural disasters and save countless lives. By providing critical information and assistance in hazardous environments, uncrewed vehicles are becoming an increasingly important tool in the response to natural disasters. &nbsp;It is important to note, however, that uncrewed vehicles are not a panacea but rather an auxiliary tool in the effort of disaster management. While uncrewed vehicles offer substantial benefits, they complement a comprehensive disaster management approach, underscoring the importance of coordinated relief efforts that integrate emerging technologies like <a href="https://www.cloudgroundcontrol.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CGC</a> to achieve optimal disaster response outcomes.<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">References</h2><ol><li dir="ltr">Qiu,Stephanie. Cloud Ground Control Empowers Emergency Response And Disaster Relief With 5G Drone Fleet Control. 5 April 2023. [Internet]. <a href="https://www.advancednavigation.com/news/cloud-ground-control-empowers-emergency-response-and-disaster-relief-with-5g-drone-fleet-control/" target="_blank">https://www.advancednavigation.com/news/cloud-ground-control-empowers-emergency-response-and-disaster-relief-with-5g-drone-fleet-control/</a> .&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">CORDIS EU Research Results. EU project successfully deploys robots following Italy earthquake [Internet]. <a href="https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/120405-eu-project-successfully-deploys-robots-following-italy-earthquake" target="_blank">https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/120405-eu-project-successfully-deploys-robots-following-italy-earthquake</a>&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. NOAA Saildrone Hurricane Observation [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/saildrone-hurricane/</li><li dir="ltr">Bateman J. China’s Launching Drones to Fight Back Against Deadly Earthquakes. Wired [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 14]; Available from: https://www.wired.com/2017/01/chinas-launching-drones-fight-back-earthquakes/</li><li dir="ltr">Armed with drones, aid workers seek faster response to earthquakes, floods. Reuters [Internet]. 2016 May 16 [cited 2023 May 14]; Available from: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-humanitarian-summit-nepal-drones-idUSKCN0Y7003</li><li dir="ltr">Martin G. Drones aid SANDF disaster relief efforts in KwaZulu-Natal [Internet]. defenceWeb. 2022 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/drones-aid-sandf-disaster-relief-efforts-in-kwazulu-natal/</li><li dir="ltr">Science and Technology Directorate. Feature Article: Unmanned Vehicles Could Lead in Dangerous Rescue Situations | Homeland Security [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2022/06/09/feature-article-unmanned-vehicles-could-lead-dangerous-rescue-situations</li><li dir="ltr">Covid in Scotland: Drones to carry Covid samples. BBC News [Internet]. 2021 Feb 23 [cited 2023 May 14]; Available from: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-56154503</li><li dir="ltr">Frey T. Using Drones to Eliminate Future Forest Fires [Internet]. Futurist Speaker. 2018 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://futuristspeaker.com/technology-trends/using-drones-to-eliminate-future-forest-fires/</li><li dir="ltr">Partheepan S, Sanati F, Hassan J. Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Bushfire Management: Challenges and Opportunities. Drones. 2023 Jan;7(1):47.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">Drone Amplified. Fire Management System Embedded to Drones [Internet]. Ignis by Drone Amplified. [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://droneamplified.com/ignis/</li><li dir="ltr">Ocean Infinity. Our Technology - Ocean Infinity [Internet]. Ocean Infinity. 2022 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://oceaninfinity.com/ourtechnology/</li><li dir="ltr">Tabor A. Volcano-observing Drone Flights Open Door to Routine Hazard Monitoring [Internet]. NASA. 2022 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: http://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/volcano-observing-drone-flights-open-door-to-routine-hazard-monitoring</li><li dir="ltr">Bonali FL, Tibaldi A, Marchese F, Fallati L, Russo E, Corselli C, et al. UAV-based surveying in volcano-tectonics: An example from the Iceland rift. Journal of Structural Geology. 2019 Apr;121:46–64.&nbsp;</li><li dir="ltr">eBee X mapping drone - Drones [Internet]. AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://ageagle.com/drones/ebee-x/</li></ol>

Critical to utilising uncrewed vehicles for disaster relief is the ability to coordinate vehicles into autonomous fleets and leverage live video links for real-time observation. 


How Uncrewed Vehicles are Rising to the Challenge of Natural Disasters

<img alt="A blue line drawing of a person wearing a hard hatDescription automatically generated" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1695324692147-1695324692147.png" id="isPasted" class="fr-fic fr-dii">For the management of hydropower conveyance systems within pulp and paper facilities, surge tanks stand as critical components, serving as key players for efficient operations. A robust maintenance strategy and a secure work environment are paramount for these systems to thrive. Non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections emerge as a vital practice in maintaining surge tank performance. However, circumstances can be challenging, as showcased in a recent case undertaken by Avestec.&nbsp;The situation presented a dual challenge. Initially, accessing the surge tanks proved intricate due to obstructive towering trees on one front. Subsequently, a haunting specter of potential asbestos contamination&nbsp;emerged&nbsp;on the opposing&nbsp;side, adding&nbsp;an element of danger that&nbsp;couldn&#39;t&nbsp;be ignored. The confluence of these obstacles demanded an innovative approach, one that safeguarded&nbsp;workers&rsquo;&nbsp;well-being while ensuring thorough assessments of the tanks.&nbsp;<img alt="A group of men in safety gearDescription automatically generated with medium confidence" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1695324672404-1695324672404.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dii">&nbsp;In response to these complex challenges,&nbsp;Avestec&nbsp;utilized&nbsp;the capabilities of SKYRON, an intelligent flying robot.&nbsp;SKYRON&nbsp;emerged&nbsp;as the perfect&nbsp;inspection&nbsp;tool, smoothly navigating the intricate&nbsp;environment&nbsp;and flawlessly conducting ultrasonic thickness tests on the tank shell.&nbsp;By doing so, it enabled inspection without exposing human personnel to the hazards.&nbsp;Operating SKYRON was a precise coordination of human&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;and&nbsp;cutting-edge&nbsp;technology.&nbsp;A skilled pilot and inspector collaborated to guide the flying robot with precision. While the robot soared over the dense canopy of trees, the team&nbsp;maintained&nbsp;a safe distance, evading the potential asbestos threat. A&nbsp;first-person&nbsp;view&nbsp;camera&nbsp;system&nbsp;interface&nbsp;facilitated&nbsp;real-time monitoring as SKYRON ventured beyond the limits of direct line of sight.&nbsp;The&nbsp;results&nbsp;of&nbsp;Avestec&#39;s&nbsp;inspection were&nbsp;truly&nbsp;remarkable.&nbsp;Within&nbsp;a single day, SKYRON&nbsp;conducted thorough&nbsp;inspections,&nbsp;collecting&nbsp;577 ultrasonic thickness readings in&nbsp;60 minutes&nbsp;flight time.&nbsp; <img alt="A large metal tower with a ladderDescription automatically generated" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1695324672418-1695324672418.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dii">&nbsp;This achievement marked a transformative change in the methods of inspecting surge tanks. Through overcoming challenging conditions and executing seamless inspections, SKYRON proves its advantages over conventional approaches, triumphing even in the most demanding environments.&nbsp;

SKYRON's Cutting-Edge Solution Overcomes Hazardous Obstacles and Delivers Rapid Results

Revolutionizing Tank Inspections: How Intelligent Flying Robots Ensure Safety and Efficiency

BVLOS, swarm, and military-grade encryption will enable wider and more diverse applications of drones, while cutting-edge software platforms enable operators to improve fleet coordination with more data control


How drone management platforms are enhancing the next generation of drone technologies

Fig 1 - Printed Circuit Board Chips and Radio Components

Unveiling the Duel of Digital Design - A Comprehensive Exploration of History, Syntax, and Applications of the two popular hardware description languages

Verilog vs VHDL: A Comprehensive Comparison

In this episode, we discuss the fascinating world of bioinspired robotics. Discover how researchers have created versatile robots inspired by nature's flight, rolling, and walking abilities.

Podcast: Mighty Morphing All Terrain Robots Made By Nature

This article was discussed in our <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte&source=gmail&ust=1672821999265000&usg=AOvVaw3lLKdHdEN0YvCEsaHI7hx9" href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/b6d8f955-457e-488d-a053-4a6409fafab0?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> The full article will continue below.<hr>The new robot, dubbed M4 (for Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot) can roll on four wheels, turn its wheels into rotors and fly, stand on two wheels like a meerkat to peer over obstacles, &quot;walk&quot; by using its wheels like feet, use two rotors to help it roll up steep slopes on two wheels, tumble, and more.A robot with such a broad set of capabilities would have applications ranging from the transport of injured people to a hospital to the exploration of other planets, says Mory Gharib (PhD &#39;83), the Hans W. Liepmann Professor of Aeronautics and Bioinspired Engineering and director of Caltech&#39;s <a href="http://cast.caltech.edu/" target="_blank">Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies</a> (CAST), where the robot was developed.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J91jTI2-k_U?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" id="966413990" title="M4 Drives and Flies Around Caltech's Campus">&nbsp;</iframe>M4 is the brainchild of Gharib and Alireza Ramezani, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University. The team supporting M4&#39;s technical aspects consisted of Eric Sihite, a postdoctoral scholar research associate in aerospace at Caltech; Reza Nemovi, a design engineer at CAST; and Arash Kalantari from JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA. A paper announcing the new robot was published in Nature Communications on June 27.&quot;Our aim was to push the boundaries of robot locomotion by designing a system that showcases extraordinary mobility capabilities with a wide range of distinct locomotion modes. The M4 project successfully achieved these objectives,&quot; says Ramezani, corresponding author of the Nature Communications paper.The robot&#39;s flexibility of motion, coupled with artificial intelligence, allows it to choose what form of locomotion will be most effective based on the terrain ahead of it. Picture the M4 exploring an unfamiliar environment: it might start by rolling along on four wheels, which is its most energy-efficient mode. Upon reaching an obstacle like a boulder, it could stand on two wheels to peer over it for a clearer picture of the ground ahead. Then, if it saw a ravine or another feature that a wheeled robot could not traverse, it could reconfigure its wheels into rotors, fly over the ravine to the other side, and resume rolling along.&quot;When encountering unknown environments, only robots that have the ability to repurpose their multi-modal components aided by artificial intelligence can succeed,&quot; says Gharib, co-author of the Nature Communications paper.One of the key features of M4 is its ability to repurpose its appendages to wheels, legs, or thrusters. When M4 needs to stand up on two wheels, two of its four wheels fold up and their inset propellors spin upwards, providing balance for the robot. When M4 needs to fly, all four wheels fold up, and the propellors lift the robot off the ground.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1688030564956-M4-Fly.max-500x500.gif" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The M4 robot takes flight with four rotors located within its tilting wheels. Credit: Caltech&nbsp;Joints on the wheel assemblies allow M4 to execute a walking motion. In M4&#39;s current iteration, the walking motion is mostly proof of concept. However, with anticipated advances, future M4 generations could possess the ability to effectively walk across broken terrain that a wheeled robot would struggle with.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1688030589455-M4-Stand.max-500x500.gif" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The M4 robot transforms from driving mode to walking mode. Credit: Caltech&nbsp;The design of M4 was heavily influenced by nature: Gharib and his colleagues were inspired by how chukar birds (a type of partridge) use the flapping of their wings to give them leverage while running up steep inclines, for example, and how sea lions use their flippers for different types of locomotion on sea and land. Although such examples of appendage repurposing from the animal kingdom have been previously reported by biologists, the concepts they illustrate are just now being explored in the engineering domain.M4 has been equipped with autonomous capabilities and can make decisions for itself about how best to navigate through a complex environment. The robot has also been tested outdoors and has navigated the terrain of Caltech&#39;s campus.The Nature Communications paper is titled &quot;Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot (M4), A Platform to Inspect Appendage Repurposing for Locomotion Plasticity Enhancement.&quot; This research was funded by JPL and the National Science Foundation.

A newly created real-life Transformer is capable of reconfiguring its body to achieve eight distinct types of motion and can autonomously assess the environment it faces to choose the most effective combination of motions to maneuver.

New Bioinspired Robot Flies, Rolls, Walks, and More

A sun-drenched Mediterranean country, Greece is an ideal site for climate-friendly solar energy generation. Heavy private sector investment in solar power backed by government incentives mean that today, Greece ranks fifth in the world for installed photovoltaic capacity per capita. By 2022, large Greek solar farms provided more than 4GW of generation capacity.&nbsp;But the abundant sunlight that makes solar power so attractive in Greece has an unwanted side-effect for the operators of solar farms: it makes the grass and other vegetation around and under the panels grow fast. Left unchecked, grass growth can shade the panels, and restrict the access of maintenance staff.&nbsp;Traditionally, facilities maintenance contractors would cut the grass three or four times a year. But this is an expensive service that requires careful management: a solar farm contains crucial equipment such as cabling that is easily damaged by a manually operated mower.&nbsp;Automation is a far better approach: cheaper and more reliable, autonomous mowing can be safely performed day and night, so that the robot mower can be kept continually in use.&nbsp;While many products today serve the agricultural robot market, the particular requirements of solar farms call for a special solution. This is what Athens-based technology manufacturer <a href="https://www.iknowhow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iKnowHow</a> developed for <a href="https://www.enelgreenpower.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Enel Green Power&reg;</a>, the world&#39;s largest private renewable energy operator with a total capacity of more than 59 GW and a generation mix that includes wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power, as well as energy storage facilities. Enel Green Power is at the forefront of integrating innovative technologies into renewable energy plantsAnd iKnowHow&rsquo;s robotic mower, called Aristos, relies on an Xsens <a href="https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-680g-rtk-gnss-ins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MTi-680G RTK GNSS/INS</a> sensor module from Movella to keep it on track, even when the satellite positioning signal is temporarily unavailable.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjg0NzM5MDM5MTkwLWVuZWxncmVlbnBvd2VyLXJlc2l6ZWQuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Aristos robot mower, showing the RTK-capable GNSS antenna at the rear. The Xsens MTi-680G sensor is mounted underneath the upper green panel.&nbsp;Keeping strictly to the pathEnel&rsquo;s requirement for the Aristos autonomous mobile robot included a maximum size and weight: the mower needs to be low enough to cut underneath solar panels as well as between them, and light enough to be transported from one site to another by small van. It also needed to be 100% autonomous, both for mowing and charging its battery.&nbsp; &nbsp;The cutting deck is a standard mower blade configuration. The principal challenge for the robot designers was in localization, navigation and object avoidance. Aristos follows a pre-set route, mapped out by the solar farm operator, to minimize operating time and battery power consumption. The robot&rsquo;s systems have to locate and orientate the mower so that it follows its route accurately, and so avoids contact with the panels or the solar farm&rsquo;s infrastructure.&nbsp;Apart from the mower itself, the iKnowHow system&rsquo;s other main element is a static charging station at each solar farm: this houses a battery charger and an RTK transmitter beacon for the robot&rsquo;s enhanced GNSS satellite positioning system. &nbsp;With a clear GNSS signal and receiving RTK corrections, Aristos can navigate its route to within &plusmn;5cm accuracy. When cutting underneath the panels, however, multipath effects degrade the satellite signal, so it relies on a combination of wheel odometry and magnetic heading signals to maintain accurate positioning until satellite reception is recovered.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjg0NzM5MDczODM0LWVuZWxncmVlbnBvd2VyIDMgcmVzaXplZC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Aristos robot mower operates as well under solar panels as between themAll-in-one sensor provides combined positioning signalAt the heart of this autonomous navigation system is the <a href="https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-680g-rtk-gnss-ins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xsens MTi-680G</a> all-in-one positioning and motion sensor from Movella. Michalis Logothetis, Lead Robotics Engineer at iKnowHow, says that it chose this sensor because it combined high performance, robust construction and easy integration. The MTi-680G integrated GNSS/IMU solution includes an RTK-capable GNSS receiver alongside its 3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope and magnetometer, all in one 56.5 &times; 40.9 &times; 36.75mm package.&nbsp;Michalis Logothetis says: &lsquo;The Xsens sensor fusion firmware combines and synchronizes all these signals, producing easy-to-use digital position, attitude and heading outputs that keep Aristos on track under the panels as well as in the open air.&rsquo;&nbsp;Autonomous operation of the mower is not just about maintaining an accurate absolute position at all times. Aristos works in a dynamic environment in which unmapped, random obstacles such as a or equipment left behind by maintenance technicians can obstruct its path. The MTi-680G helps the robot deal with obstacles that could upset its progress. The sensor continually measures pan/tilt as well as heading: Aristos stops automatically when tilt exceeds a safety threshold and reports back via 4G to its control center. An onboard RGB camera enables a remote operator to monitor the scene when an alert is raised.&nbsp;The rugged <a href="https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules/xsens-mti-680g-rtk-gnss-ins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MTi-680G</a> is well suited to use in these dynamic outdoor conditions. It is housed in an IP68-rated aluminium enclosure, and handles the shock and vibration inherent in mowing operations on rough ground.&nbsp;Michalis Logothetis comments that the MTi-680G quickly proved its value in a prototype design reviewed enthusiastically by Enel. He says: &lsquo;We are delighted with the operation of the <a href="https://www.movella.com/products/sensor-modules" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xsens MTi sensor</a>. Aristos passed its field trials with flying colors, and after iKnowHow started production in 2023, it is now supplying units to Enel for use on solar farms all around the world.&rsquo;&nbsp;

Centimeter-accurate Xsens MTi-680G pilots autonomous mower around large solar panel installations

Engineering Space is an in-depth documentary series that unveils the new generation of space technologies and the people and companies developing them. Engineers and entrepreneurs are democratizing access to space. Our goal is to enable you to understand the cutting-edge, be inspired, and discover practical insights to apply to your own engineering endeavors.In the first episode of Engineering Space we meet two engineers from Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic; Principal Mechanical Engineer Kerry Quinn and Lead Software Engineer Taylor Whitaker. The space company aims to make space missions feasible and more affordable for science, exploration, and commerce. They define themselves as a lunar logistics company, intending to provide end-to-end delivery services for payloads to the Moon.Astrobotic works out of the largest private facility in the world dedicated to lunar logistics. In this impressive 47,000-square-foot complex, The company builds and operates its lines of landers, rovers, autonomous spacecraft navigation systems, and other space technologies. Once operational, payloads will be controlled directly from the Astrobotic Mission Control Center inside their headquarters located in the heart of Pittsburgh&rsquo;s North Side.<h2 dir="ltr">Developing lightweight moon rovers</h2>The team is developing two rovers specifically for Moon exploration. The CubeRover&reg; is a super-light modular vehicle designed to provide affordable mobility for scientific instruments and other payloads to operate on the surface of the Moon. Because CubeRover&reg; can be as light as just four kilograms &mdash; it can contribute to reduced flight costs, making the Moon more accessible. &nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjgzNjIzNTg3MTUwLVJvdmVyMi5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Astrorobotics CubeRover&reg;. Image credit: Astrobotics.The Polaris rover was designed to accommodate diverse lunar payloads with distinct mission profiles, like lunar regolith digging or water ice harvesting. Polaris can support up to 90 kg of payload mass, traverse long distances, and provide direct-to-Earth (DTE) communication. Companies, governments, universities, non-profits, and individuals can send payloads to the Moon on Polaris for $4.5M per kilogram of payload. For every kilogram of payload, Astrobotic can provide 0.5 W of continuous power and 10 kbps of bandwidth.In this episode of Engineering Space, we follow along with Astrobotic engineers as they do mobility testing on the engineering model of their CubeRover&reg;. It&#39;s the first time the team has tested the rover with its MLI (Multilayer Insulation) and electronics package. The testing will compare the engineering model with other models in development.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Mimicking the Moon&#39;s surface</h2>Testing rovers intended for the moon requires the careful creation of an environment that resembles the moon&#39;s surface as closely as possible. The tests are conducted in their test pit of lunar regolith, a material that mimics the fine powdery material covering the moon. Almost all of the moon&#39;s surface is covered in this fine, white powdery material, with only small areas of hard bedrock on the walls of very steep moon craters.&nbsp;Regolith materials are developed by NASA or other space companies. For example, the majority of the regolith used in the Astrobotic testing is made by the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/home/index.html" target="_blank">Glenn Research Center</a>. The regolith, known as GRC-1[1] is made from four kinds of quartz silica.&nbsp;Lunar regolith has compactibility properties[2], which means when it is agitated, it dilates or becomes lower in volume as the small particles fall between the larger particles. You can imagine this clearly by thinking of a container of flour that compacts when you tap it on a table. This is also how the iconic astronaut footprints were formed on the Moon.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjgzNjIyMzQwNzUzLTEwLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The rover prototype during testing in the lunar regolith material.This quality of the regolith means that the lightweight rovers developed by Astrobotic are expected to sink down slightly when they are on the moon, rather than moving across its surface like a small rover would on sand on Earth.&nbsp;To mimic the moon without simulating in zero gravity, super lightweight versions of the rovers are developed that account for the difference in gravitational acceleration. Lunar gravitational acceleration is 1.62 m/s^2 (meters per second squared) while Earth&rsquo;s gravitational acceleration is 9.807 m/s^2 (meters per second squared). &nbsp;The moon rover weighs about 6 kg, so the testing version weighs just 1 kg.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Design of a lunar rover wheel that sinks and turns&nbsp;</h2>The moon surface tests enable the Astrobotic engineering team to look at each aspect of the rover, including its grip on the lunar regolith and the way it traverses different types of terrain, such as flat, ascents, and descents.&nbsp;A really critical part of the rover is the design of its wheels. They must be lightweight, robust to the extreme temperatures of the moon as well as suitable for the fine, flour-like conditions of the lunar surface. The Astrobotic rover has been tested with multiple types of wheels, sizes, widths, and materials.The current design of the wheel is fairly narrow, with regular perforations and grousers (protrusions similar to those on a tank) that allow the rover to move through the powdery surface. This design also enables the rover to complete movements such as figure-eights without the rover having a complex drive system such as articulated directional steering that would add extra weight.&nbsp;The engineering model of the rover being tested is reserved for special testing as it&#39;s the closest prototype to the finished product. To protect the high-value prototype, simultaneous testing happens on other simpler versions of the rover. These tests are often specific to a single task such as hill climbing.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjgzNjIyMzgzODgzLTUuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The perforations and trousers enable the rover to navigate the soft terrain.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">A mission to make the moon accessible</h2>Astrobotic was founded in 2007 and currently has more than 130 employees. It has won several large contracts from NASA and has critical missions with the space agency planned. In addition to the rovers described above, Astrobotic has developed moon landers, a moon power grid, and vision technology.&nbsp;The company&#39;s first mission is set to be the first commercial mission to land on another planetary body. The Peregrine Rover will land on the Gruithuisen Domes of the moon and deliver a range of scientific instruments, technologies, mementos, and other payloads from six different countries, dozens of science teams, and hundreds of individuals. The date of the mission will be announced shortly.&nbsp;In 2024, Astrobotic will undertake the Griffin Mission One (GM1) &nbsp;to the Lunar South Pole. It will deliver NASA&rsquo;s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER). Griffin will land at the South Pole and deploy VIPER to conduct the first widespread ground truth measurements of lunar water ice. Such ice may one day be used for life support and propellant that could assist future deep space explorers. Some of the instruments on PM1 will be operated as a dress rehearsal for their use on VIPER. This GM1 contract was awarded under the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-lunar-payload-services" target="_blank">NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services &nbsp;(CLPS) &nbsp;initiative.&nbsp;</a><h2 dir="ltr">Learn more about cutting-edge space companies and technologies</h2>The Engineering Space documenatry series is a collaboration between engineering community platform Wevolver, and two independent Californian filmmakers and producers; <a href="https://flipbirdfilms.com/" target="_blank">Flipbird Films</a> and Green Run Productions. This first episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/duro" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Duro</a>, which develops Product Lifecycle Management software for hardware engineering teams.<blockquote><blockquote>Having previously worked at SpaceX, I know how tough it can be to create technology that can withstand the harsh environment of space. We&#39;re proud to sponsor this Engineering Space episode and help inspire engineers everywhere!</blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Kellan O&#39;Connor, COO and Co-founder of Duro </blockquote></blockquote>Sign up below to get updates when a new &#39;Engineering Space&#39; episode gets released!<iframe src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIEALrRLDzuUm9n0ZOf8rXFzimkYs9rS_nCzav7CGHGM8USNRBoKa4J5jwLh7jPqbBt7DQ-iIzGhsx_wFSBXNb4KPhpppkyJ93mD2PZJvl1pMCE9zXvsMc7hBtlPYgaIBDpec1zdrmpcCW6xuqC94Suy4YcAasZMu8t7DxX1EoakY6Xqdk8WBelkzJyrbq88OKqzHv_8A0UDOlT" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" width="540" height="305" frameborder="0"></iframe> <h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>1. Oravec HA, Zeng X, Asnani VM. Design and characterization of GRC-1: A soil for Lunar Terramechanics testing in earth-ambient conditions [Internet]. Pergamon; 2010 [cited 2023 May 9]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022489810000388&nbsp;2. Oravec HA, Zeng X, Asnani VM. Design and characterization of GRC-1: A soil for Lunar Terramechanics testing in earth-ambient conditions [Internet]. Pergamon; 2010 [cited 2023 May 9]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022489810000388

Space startup Astrobotic mimics the moon's surface material and tests various designs of new moon rovers.

Engineering Space. Episode 1: Developing lightweight rovers for lunar surface exploration

For centuries humans have been fascinated by how easily birds glide through the air. Their instinctive ability to use wind to their advantage is what inspired Morpho, the new inspection drone developed by Elythor. Part winged drone, part quadcopter, Morpho is a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can change shape according to the task at hand. Its adaptive wings extend the drone&rsquo;s flight time and give it greater maneuverability. Combined with embedded sensors and cameras, these features let it fly just as well in enclosed spaces as in the open air, making it ideal for inspecting power plants and other infrastructure like high-voltage power lines, wind turbines, gas pipelines and offshore oil platforms.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tOUkn7YmYV4?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> <h2>Cutting costs by a third and reducing inspection time</h2>When sitting on its four legs, Morpho has a streamlined shape that resembles a tiny rocket. But that quickly changes once its rotors start whirring. The drone&rsquo;s vertical take-off capability means it can be deployed in confined spaces, fly to within just a few centimeters of a piece of equipment, and inspect the equipment without bumping into it. Once the inspection is completed, Morpho can shift its motors and rotate into a horizontal, more aerodynamic position and swiftly fly off to the next inspection site. If the drone encounters strong or rapidly changing winds along the way, it will expand or contract its wings as necessary to maintain its trajectory. It can also glide under the right wind conditions. All that saves time during inspections, but also means the drone can fly for longer. &ldquo;We calculated that using Morpho can cut the time and cost of a drone inspection by an average of 35%,&rdquo; says Harry Vourtsis, Elythor co-founder and CEO. Once Morpho reaches the next inspection site, it can fold up its wings and return to a vertical position in order to fly right up to the equipment.<blockquote>Our design can reduce power use by up to 85% when the drone is flying in the vertical position&nbsp; - Nathan M&uuml;ller, co-founder of Elythor&nbsp;</blockquote><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1683465765223-003ee723.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Harry Vourtsis, CEO and co-founder, and Nathan M&uuml;ller, co-founder of the start-up. EPFL/Alain Herzog&nbsp;<h2 id="isPasted">Asymmetric wing adjustment provides stability in strong winds</h2>&ldquo;Winged drones have the advantage of longer flight times, while quadcopters have better manoeuvrability,&rdquo; says Vourtsis. &ldquo;We combined the two and added an adaptative wing system that reduces the drone&rsquo;s power requirement even further.&rdquo; Most fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones represent a compromise, with wings that are small enough to reduce friction during vertical flight yet large enough to provide sufficient lift during horizontal flight. VTOL drones also have trouble taking off and landing in strong winds due to their large surface area perpendicular to the wind.Morpho&rsquo;s wing control system is the result of several years of research at EPFL&rsquo;s Laboratory of Intelligent Systems and has been described in a number of scientific articles. The system includes sensors linked to a software program for monitoring wind direction and speed. Nathan M&uuml;ller, also an Elythor co-founder, explains: &ldquo;The controller automatically selects whether to hold the wings in place or let them move freely with the wind, based on the drone&rsquo;s trajectory and effective speed, along with any changes in wind direction. The wings&rsquo; surface area can also be adjusted either symmetrically or asymmetrically depending on wind direction.&rdquo;The algorithms powering the control system seek not just to optimize the trade-off between air friction and lift, but also to minimize power use. This entails taking advantage of wind currents to let the drone glide or adjusting the wings asymmetrically to regulate its yaw &ndash; or the rotation around its vertical axis. This provides greater stability in heavy winds.Quantitative studies carried out at the EPFL lab show that Morpho delivers considerably better maneuverability and power efficiency. &ldquo;Our design can reduce power use by up to 85% when the drone is fyling in the vertical position,&rdquo; says M&uuml;ller. &ldquo;It also significantly improves the drone&rsquo;s attitude and stability.&rdquo; These benefits mean Morpho can perform inspections under a broader range of weather conditions.<h2>&ldquo;We want to revolutionize inspection platforms&rdquo;</h2>Because Elythor aims to provide customers with a turnkey solution, it&rsquo;s also developing software for compiling and analyzing the data collected by Morpho. &ldquo;We want to revolutionize inspection platforms,&rdquo; says Vourtsis. Today, power plant operators use different kinds of drones depending on where the equipment to inspect is located. And the facilities sometimes stretch over several kilometers and include complicated structures that must be entered, like wind turbines and transmission towersElythor has raised a substantial amount of startup funding and plans to get its drone ready for industrial production in the coming months, with a market launch slated for the end of this year.<hr>References<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aisy.202200297" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Wind Defiant Morphing Drones in Advanced Intelligent Systems</a> (January 2023)<a href="https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/301328" target="_blank">Resilient drones with morphing wings&nbsp;</a>-Harry Vourtsis Thesis (March 2023)<a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=9591382" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Robotic Elytra: Insect-Inspired Protective Wings for Resilient and Multi-Modal Drones</a> - IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (January 2022)<a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=9479684" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Insect Inspired Self-Righting for Fixed-Wing Drones</a> - IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (October 2021)

Elythor, an EPFL spin-off, has developed a new drone whose wing shape can adapt to wind conditions and flight position in real time, reducing the drone’s energy consumption. What’s more, the position of the wings can change, allowing the drone to fly vertically or horizontally. These features make it a perfect candidate for inspecting power plants.

New inspection drone uses wind to lengthen flight times

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In this article, we will dive deep into the world of simultaneous localization and mapping using Lidar technology. Lidar SLAM has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to its versatility and applications across various domains, including autonomous vehicles, mobile robotics, and indoor mapping.

Lidar SLAM: The Ultimate Guide to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping

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