Mechanical Design
I was responsible for the design, 3D modelling, printing, and assembly of the robot's chassis, tracks and drivetrain, as well as the chassis and sensor payload interface.
Overview
Ratbot was developed as a low-cost, sustainable mobile robot for remote wildlife observation. The aim of the project was to create a platform that could move across flat, sloped, and mountainous terrain while remaining visually unobtrusive to animals in the environment.
The robot was remotely controlled and equipped with a three-degree-of-freedom camera arm and onboard processing for real-time visual and audio capture, which enables automated detection and identification of wildlife on the client end. Its camouflaged exterior helped reduce disturbance to wildlife, while the tracked drive system provided the mobility needed for challenging terrain.
The final result was a successful proof-of-concept robotic platform for remote ecological monitoring that was able to traverse all assessed terrains, including the most difficult terrain tested.
Gallery
My Contributions
Electrical Integration
I built the electrical power-distribution system and was responsible for the selection and integration of the motors, onboard electronics, and control hardware (motor drivers and Raspberry Pi).
Embedded Setup
I configured the Raspberry Pi and established the software and hardware environment required for robot operation and remote functionality.
Control and Networking
I set up the networking and control systems and developed PD motor controllers in Python for smoother and more stable speed regulation, as well as the robot's control software.
System Features
- Tracked drive system for multi-terrain mobility
- Three-DoF camera arm
- Onboard Raspberry Pi processing
- Remote control over a networked connection
- Real-time visual and audio data capture and classification of animals
- Camouflaged design for unobtrusive observation
- Integrated electrical and embedded systems
- Validated across flat, sloped and uneven mountainous terrain
Technical Skills
Mechanical Design
CAD Modelling (Solidworks)
Mechanical Prototyping
Electronic Design
Electronic CAD (KiCAD)
Electronics Integration
Raspberry Pi Configuration
Wi-Fi / LAN Networking
PD Control
Python
Sensor Integration
System Integration
Soldering
3D Printing
Project and Team Skills
Cross-disciplinary Collaboration
Problem Solving
Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Integration
Rapid Prototyping
Iterative Testing
Documentation
Technical Communication