NU Team Aspan' System Acceptance Review (SAR) for 2024 University Rover Challenge (URC)

Summary

Team Aspan from Nazab University in Kazan presents their rover design for the 2024 University Rover Challenge. The rover features a differential bogie system for stability, advanced manipulator arms for tasks, and utilizes LoRa technology for communication over 5 km. It employs sophisticated navigation algorithms and sensors for environmental awareness and object detection. The rover also conducts soil tests using onboard cameras and scientific methods to analyze soil composition. Team Aspan showcases their preparation and technical expertise, having engaged with local schools through workshops on 3D modeling, Arduino, and Python.

Takeaways

• 😀 Team Aspan is from Nazab University in Kazan, Eurasia, and is prepared for the 2024 University Rover Challenge.
• 🚀 The Rover features a differential bogie system for stable movement on uneven terrain.
• ⚙️ A spring system enhances the smooth motion of the front legs of the Rover.
• 🛠️ The Rover's body is segmented to securely hold battery packs, electronics, and the robotic arm.
• 🔧 The wheels are reinforced using injection molding, and they connect to brushless motors for improved performance.
• 💪 The brushless motors provide significant torque and allow the Rover to climb inclines of up to 45 degrees.
• 🤖 The robotic arm is a 1.15 kg manipulator designed for various tasks, featuring advanced 3D-printed joints and high-torque motors.
• 📡 Communication is achieved through LoRa technology, enabling a range of 5 km for data transmission.
• 🗺️ The autonomous navigation system utilizes advanced algorithms for both local and global path planning.
• 🌱 The Rover can perform soil analysis using carbohydrate tests and IR spectroscopy to detect traces of life.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Team Aspan's presentation?

The primary focus is to showcase their rover design and demonstrate their readiness for the 2024 University Rover Challenge.

What type of system supports the rear legs of the rover?

The rear legs are supported by a differential bogie system.

How are the front and rear legs of the rover connected?

The front legs connect with the rear legs via a system of springs that allows for smooth motion.

What is the purpose of the injection molding used in the rover's wheels?

Injection molding is used to enhance the strength of the wheel by filling the shell.

What specifications are provided for the rover's brushless motor?

The brushless motor provides 21 Newton meters of torque and 71 revolutions per minute, enabling the rover to climb slopes of 45 degrees.

What technology is used for communication between the rover and the base station?

Team Aspan employs LoRa technology for communication, utilizing two Htech Wi-Fi LoRa 32 V3 devices based on ESP32 S3.

What autonomous navigation algorithms are utilized in the rover?

The rover uses the Dynamic Window Approach (DWA) for local planning and the A* algorithm for global planning.

How does the rover determine the presence of carbohydrates in soil samples?

The rover performs characteristic carbohydrate tests by mixing soil samples with peroxide and monitoring the reactions remotely.

What educational outreach has Team Aspan conducted recently?

Team Aspan has conducted several master classes and training sessions for local schools on topics such as 3D modeling, Arduino, and Python basics.

What is the rover's lifting capacity and what special feature does its arm include?

The rover's arm can lift up to 5 kg at full extension and includes a screwdriver for additional functionality.