Virtual Telepresence Robot

Telepresence Robot utilizes advanced engineering methods to make the surveillance by humans possible in not so easily accessible environments. A blend of virtual reality technology and robotics is used to make the interaction of a person with a hazardous environment far away

Project Title

Virtual Telepresence Robot

Project Area of Specialization

Mechatronics Engineering

Project Summary

Telepresence Robot utilizes advanced engineering methods to make the surveillance by humans possible in not so easily accessible environments. A blend of virtual reality technology and robotics is used to make the interaction of a person with a hazardous environment far away from him, where he cannot go, possible by virtually controlling and sensing environment realistically as if he is physically present there. A person can remotely measure the temperature and humidity, listen to the voices if any, and visualize every single movement in the environment. By clearly monitoring the targeted place, we can make our plan to cope with the problem and move towards solution(s).

Project Objectives

• Main goal of the project is to incorporate virtual reality technology with an unmanned robot using information technology and robotics at the same time
• The camera mounted on robot would provide triaxial view of the surrounding environment
• Robot and camera mechanism would be sensitive to the movement of VR headset as it would change its position with respect to change in position of VR headset 
• Radio frequency control or wireless control of movement of robot
• Channeling of sound effects from the surrounding environment
• Transmission of instantaneous environmental factors such as temperature and humidity to the video feed

Project Implementation Method

The project implementation method to be used will be the critical path method. A list of all the processes will be devised and their times of completion will be estimated. The critical processes of the project will get the utmost priority so that no delays in the final deadline occur and to ensure seamless completion of the project. Smooth completion of non-critical processes will also be ensured despite of them getting a lesser priority. The group members will undertake tasks assigned to them individually or collectively, whichever is more feasible for each task. The group will maintain and constantly update an FYP logbook to keep a record of all the progress and tasks being undertaken.

Benefits of the Project

• Many precious lives have been lost in hazardous environments where the health of the persons involved is at stake. These types include radioactive, chemically exposed, and pyro-involved environments. Humans must put their life in jeopardy to undertake tasks in these environments to ensure that these environments pose no threat.
• Our aim is to introduce a robot that can replace humans and perform the same tasks effectively in hazardous environments. Priceless human lives can be saved by this technique.
• The project also finds its application in pandemic like situations such as SARS COVID-19 where physical contact with the affected person is not possible.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

A 1080p 8MP camera with a 3-axis gimbal for movement of camera interfaced with a Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi will be running linux based Raspberry Pi OS with Robot Operating System(ROS) installed. The Raspberry Pi will take live video feed from the camera transmit it over the wifi to the Oculus GO VR Headset. It will also be used to receive axial movement data from the VR headset, process it and send movement control inputs to the camera gimbal. PID algorithms will be used to stablilize the movement of camera so that no sudden/shaky movements occur.

A set of AM2302 sensors mounted on different places on the robot will be used to provide real-time temperature and humidity parameters to the Raspberry Pi that will take its average as well as ignore any faulty reading in its calculation and incorporate it in the live video feed by making a screen overlay.

An onboard microphone will send a live audio feed to the Raspberry Pi that will process it and transmit the processed signals to the speakers incorporated with the VR headset.

LiPo batteries will be used to power up the robot. These batteries will be charged using a Battery Management System. Furthermore, an array of circuits on the main control board will ensure that the power supplied to the individual components of robot (Raspberry Pi, camera, sensors etc.) is free from any inductive noise that may arise due to the switching of motors.

The main structure of robot will be fabricated using sheet metal while various other parts (sensor mounts etc.) will be manufactured using 3D printing technology with ABS being the main material due to its high strength characteristics.

An RF transceiver will be used to control the movements of robot. The remote controller will be used to send movement commands to Raspberry Pi that will then issue movement control commands to the H-bridge circuits for the motors.

Mecanum Omni-Wheels will be used for the robot to enable movement in any direction.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Others

Other Industries

IT , Security , Telecommunication

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Augmented & Virtual Reality, Robotics

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being for People, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com