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In 2021, 432 natural disasters resulted in 10,492 deaths and $252 billion in damage. Search and Rescue (SAR) teams play a vital role in reducing casualties, yet they often face challenges such as poor communication, hazardous conditions, and limited manpower. These barriers prevent them from reaching survivors quickly and safely.
Robotic teams offer a promising solution. Unlike human teams, robots can operate in dangerous environments, work continuously, and coordinate efficiently. However, current robotic systems struggle with unpredictable conditions and multi-agent coordination, limiting their effectiveness in SAR missions.
Team RiDE is a group of 11 passionate students from diverse academic backgrounds, brought together through the Gemstone Honors Program. Our research focuses on advancing multi-robot navigation algorithms in dynamic environments. By leveraging reinforcement learning and mobile robotics, we aim to develop intelligent navigation systems that adapt to changing terrain and moving targets. These advancements have broad applications in disaster relief, search and rescue, and wildlife tracking—helping to save lives and protect endangered species.
Your support will directly fund robotics components, computational resources, and conference participation, enabling us to push the boundaries of multi-robot collaboration. Every contribution brings us closer to making autonomous rescue robots a reality.
We thank you for your support!
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The wheel is a fundamental mechanical component that allows movement and mobility. In robotics or vehicles, wheels provide traction and enable movement across different surfaces. The design and size of the wheel are crucial for stability, speed, and control, depending on the environment and purpose.
A motor is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. Motors drive various systems, such as wheels or arms, providing the force necessary for movement or operation. In robotics, motors are essential for movement precision, speed control, and efficiency, with types like DC motors, stepper motors, and servo motors used for different applications.
Sensors are devices that detect and measure physical properties from the environment, such as light, temperature, distance, or motion. These measurements are then converted into electrical signals for further processing. Sensors help systems understand their surroundings and make informed decisions, such as obstacle avoidance, environmental monitoring, or navigation.
A processor, also known as a microprocessor or CPU, is the brain of a system. It executes instructions, processes data, and controls the flow of information. In devices like robots, cars, or computers, the processor performs calculations, decision-making tasks, and coordinates actions. The efficiency and speed of a processor influence the overall performance and responsiveness of a system.
AI refers to the simulation of human-like intelligence in machines, allowing them to learn, reason, adapt, and solve problems. AI systems analyze data, recognize patterns, make decisions, and improve over time through machine learning techniques. In robotics and autonomous systems, AI enables intelligent behaviors such as navigation, decision-making, speech recognition, and human interaction. If you reach this category, we will put your name on our robot.