Autonomous Underwater Robot Vehicle

        An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a robot which travels underwater without requiring input from an operator.AUVs carry sensors to navigate autonomously and map features of the ocean. Typical sensors include compasses, depth sensors, side scan and other sonars, magnetometers, thermistors and conductivity probes.

University of Florida robotics engineering students developed a robot Subjugator , which can to swim through underwater tubes without a remote control.

Uses :

These vehicles are used in underwater research because of their ability to work autonomously. They do not require guidance from humans despite having a capability to swim in dangerous underwater.They can collect data and material from deep inside the sea which can later be used in various research activities.

> Useful Link :

Lego AUV

> Related Book :

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: Modeling, Control Design and Simulation(Buy from Amazon)

Project Report on AUR

Things required to build this project :

• Lego Mindstorms Kit: $200
• Pelican Case: $7
• Propellers: $3
• Waterproofing Supplies: $2
• TOTAL $212

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Build Self Balancing Bicycle and Uni cycles

In today's world it is easier to imagine Robots walking or crawling but it would be much be much better if they can ride a bicycle! . This is possible in various ways but the only solution which pumps in my mind is Self Balancing Bicycles.A self-powered unicycle that balances itself in three dimensions, is an interesting problem in robotics and control theory.The concept is similar to what we use in Segway.

IIT Madras studenst tried to build self balancing , self driven bicycle as there final year project (shown in Video below).It would be great project idea for students of Robotic and Mechanical Engineering.

How much it costs?
All together the components, in single unit retail quantities, cost about $1500. They are:

• A microcontroller board from BDMicro featuring the Atmel AVR Mega 128. $125.
• A gyroscope and acceleromoter by Rotomotion. $149.
• The OSMC motor controller by Robot Power. $199.
• 40 NIMH cells, made into nice packs by Robot Marketplace. $218.
• A Magmotor S28-150. $299
• The Whyachi TWM3M gearbox. $345.
• A 16-inch bicycle rim with spokes. $35 from your local bike shop. 100 psi tire, which makes turning slightly easier.
• A custom-machined hub.
• A GT2 5 mm pitch belt, and 28 and 72-tooth pulleys.$21, $26 and $14.
• Some 1" diameter tubing, TIG-welded together. $40
• A guard for the upper pulley, machined from black Acetal plastic.
• Some spacer bushings to center the wheel.
• A combination dead man's switch and key. $12.
• A unicycle seat. $24.

How to build your own?

Building a Balancing Scooter

Related Links:

Watch Self Balancing Motorbike on How Stuff Works Video section.

Power generation using Wind turbine Kites

Benjamin Franklin is reputed to have attached a metal key to the bottom of a dampened kite string and flown the kite in a storm-threatened sky.A succession of sparks jumping from the key to the back of his hand showed that lightning was indeed electrical in nature.Never, he had imagined that same kite would be used to generate electricity on its own.

We all know about traditional windmills.Whenever, I saw windmills ,I know, there is lot of scope in designing improvement. But, before Makani Power , I had never imagined, that improvement would be of that sort which changes windmills altogether.With Makani Team's great imagination and innovation with funds from US Government and Google.Org, power can be generated using kites connected through wire from the base.

These types of wind turbines are known as Airborne Wind Turbines.An airborne wind turbine is a design concept for a wind turbine that is supported in the air without a tower.Airborne wind turbines may operate in low or high altitudes; they are part of a wider class of airborne wind energy systems (AWE) addressed by high-altitude wind power.

This project would be a great milestone for Aeronautical , Mechanical and Electrical engineering students and I would strongly recommend you to study more about what Makani Power is trying to achieve and about their concept.

The Makani team has achieved a significant milestone in the pursuit of inexpensive renewable energy during a recent flight of its latest prototype, Wing 7. Wing 7 has a wing span of 8 meters, weighs 58.4 kg and has a rated power of 20 kW.