The Robotic Terrain Vehicle program focuses on design and control of land robots. We have designed a variety of robots and diverse kinds of robotic equipment, and some of these designs are actually used and developed by students throughout our undergraduate degree B.Eng.(Robotics). We also work with simulated robots and a variety of sensors, exploring how best to allow teams of people and robots to work together – this area of “Robot Teaming” is active collaboration with DSTO. Robotic planning using Artificial Intelligence, Computional Intelligence, Machine Learning, Neural Network and Evolutionary Computation techniques, object detection and recognition using sonar, infrared and vision, as well as innovative wireless and hybrid communications systems, all form part of the technology we develop and deploy and involve collaboration across CSEM research centres and programs. The face of our robots is based on our Thinking Head and allows us to explore the role of facial and vocal expression in communication between robots and their operators and observers.
Recent successes
MAGICIAN - Multiple Autonomous Ground-robotic International Challenge by Intelligent Adelaide Navigators (2009-2010), $110K (US Airforce Research Laboratory grant FA2386-10-4024) + $140K (partner sponsorship) = $240K. The Flinders University led team was a finalist in the MAGIC 2010 Grand Challenge, with partners including University of Western Australia, Edith Cowan, Thales Australia, Illiarc, SICK, Logitech, Allied Data Systems, Real-Time Innovations, Xsens, RF Innovations, Axis Communications and Internode.
People involved
The research group includes the following staff and postgraduate members:- Dr Nasser Asgari - Principal Investigator and Contact Person
- Prof David Powers - Principal Investigator
- Sherry Randhawa - Principal Investigator
- Dr Jimmy Li - Principal Investigator
- A/Prof Karl Sammut - Principal Investigator
- Ken Treharne - Postgraduate Researcher
- Tom Anderson - Postgraduate Researcher
- Adham Atyabi - Postgraduate Researcher
Opportunities exist for both collaboration and postgraduate research. For more information, please contact the program leaders or for more general information please contact Prof David Powers.
More information
For more information about the School's research programs, the opportunities for higher degree study and scholarship information please see the appropriate pages.
