EXPLORATORY ROBOTS By Taylor Giattino and Brianna Williams

EXPLORATORY ROBOTS By: Taylor Giattino and Brianna Williams

What task does this robot perform? What human function or task does this robot simulate? This robot, U-CAT, was designed to help archaeologists explore shipwrecks in places that are too dangerous or impossible for humans to reach. The U-CAT can operate independently for hours before resurfacing on its own. The robot has four independently driven flippers that help it move both forwards and backwards. Although it isn’t very similar to humans, it closely resembles many aquatic life forms.

Where is the robot used? What is its work envelope (how many degrees of freedom or flexible joints does it have)? This robot is used for deep sea exploration. It has four flexible joints that help control its flippers. These joints allow U-CAT to move both forward and backwards depending on the way they turn. It uses fin propulsors that can propel the robot without disturbing the water or stirring up silt, which could cause a decrease in visibility of the shipwrecks.

Is the robotic end effector multifunctional? If so, what other tasks can it perform? U-CAT is equipped with a camera that records what it sees so the footage can later be used to help with other underwater expeditions. Scientists may use this footage to later construct a site underwater.

How is the robot taught to perform its task? U-CAT is taught how to perform its tasks through simple programming and coding.

What sensors does the robot have and how does the robot use these sensors? The robot uses a motion sensor to detect any movement in the water and a proximity sensor to detect when it gets close to the wreck.

Name some advantages and disadvantages of using a robot to complete this task. Advantages • U-CAT can travel to and explore places that humans cannot. • U-CAT is fairly inexpensive and won’t risk a human life. • U-CAT is small and can travel deep into the shipwrecks and into tight places that humans can’t. Disadvantages § The camera might fail. § It may get stuck in the wreckage and be lost forever. § It may not resurface and the battery would die.

Describe the impact that this robot has had or could have on its intended audience. U-CAT could help make technological advances in the robotics world and help make scientific discoveries about the sea and shipwrecks.

What types of jobs/careers can this robot create to provide employment for people? U-CAT creates jobs in the robotics and scientific fields such as the following: § § § Robot improvement Coding Data management Robot development Robotics Engineer (build the robots)

Predict and explain how this robot may be altered to perform more or different tasks in the future. The robot could be fitted with a claw and compartment to pick up and store underwater treasures that it can bring back to the surface to study. This will allow the scientists to instantly study the findings without having to construct sites to study the findings later.

Media http: //www. dailymail. co. uk/sciencetech/article 2515099/Meet-U-CAT-robotic-turtle-help-archaeologistsinvestigate-shipwrecks. html

References U-CAT Photos and Information http: //www. dailymail. co. uk/sciencetech/article-2515099/Meet-UCAT-robotic-turtle-help-archaeologists-investigateshipwre%20 cks. html Shipwreck Photo http: //www. noaa. gov/features/resources_0908/protectedareas. htm l Video http: //www. dailymail. co. uk/sciencetech/article-2515099/Meet-UCAT-robotic-turtle-help-archaeologists-investigate-shipwrecks. html Engineer/Coding Photo http: //aaaea. org/ts/2011/07/05/code-of-ethics-for-engineers/ Shipwreck with Scuba Divers http: //www. noaanews. noaa. gov/stories 2009/20090805_battleofatl antic. html