We propose a general mobile robot velocity and distance control design framework that relies on using the Keitz irradiance-flux equation relating the measured irradiance and the output power of far-UVC light fixtures along with an exponential decay model for evaluating the survival of viruses and pathogens subjected to farUVC exposure. Our mathematical framework is capable of computing the optimal distance from vertical target surfaces. Furthermore, given a moving mobile robot rover base with UV light towers mounted on it, we formulate a suitable optimal control problem to derive the optimal velocity profile of the mobile robot for achieving efficient disinfection in terms of disinfection time and energy expenditure.
With the global coronavirus pandemic still persisting, the repeated disinfection of large spaces and small rooms has become a priority and matter of focus for researchers and developers. The use of ultraviolet light (UV) for disinfection is not new; however, there are new efforts to make the methods safer, more thorough, and automated. Indeed, continuous very low dose-rate far-UVC light in indoor public locations is a promising, safe and inexpensive tool to reduce the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases. This paper investigates the problem of disinfecting surfaces using autonomous mobile robots equipped with UV light towers. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of our autonomous disinfection framework, we also present a teleoperated robotic prototype. It consists of a robotic rover unit base, on which two separate UV light towers carrying 254 nm UVC and 222 nm far-UVC lights are mounted. It also includes a live-feed camera for remote operation, as well as power and communication electronics for the remote operation of the UV lamps. The 222 nm far-UVC light has been recently shown to be non-inflammatory and non-photo carcinogenic when radiated on mammalian skin, while still sterilizing the coronavirus on irradiated surfaces. With far-UVC light, disinfection robots may no longer require the evacuation of spaces to be disinfected. The robot demonstrates promising disinfection performance and potential for future autonomous applications.
KEYWORDS: Actuators, Unmanned aerial vehicles, Control systems, Control systems design, Finite element methods, Electronics, Computer engineering, Robots
Miniature blimps will have numerous applications in future smart cities. This paper presents the design of an autonomous blimp that can be autonomously operated and controlled. In order to be able to operate over long periods of time, the blimp design employs a novel actuation mechanism with only one servomotor and two DC motors. Experiments are carried out to demonstrate the capabilities of the constructed autonomous blimp.
Riderless bicycles, which belong to the class of narrow autonomous vehicles, offer numerous potentials to improve living conditions in the smart cities of the future. Various obstacles exist in achieving full autonomy for this class of autonomous vehicles. One of these significant challenges lie within the synthesis of automatic control algorithms that provide self-balancing and maneuvering capabilities for this class of autonomous vehicles. Indeed, the nonlinear, underactuated, and non-minimum phase dynamics of riderless bicycles offer rich challenges for automatic control of these autonomous vehicles. In this paper, we report on implementing linear parameter varying (LPV)-based controllers for balancing our constructed autonomous bicycle, which is equipped with linear electric actuators for automatic steering, in the upright position. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
KEYWORDS: Actuators, Sensors, Robotics, Control systems, Space operations, Computer engineering, Energy efficiency, Control systems design, Magnetic sensors, Unmanned vehicles
Autonomous bicycles offer numerous potentials for smart city applications thanks in part to their light weight, safe autonomy, being optionally manned, and last-mile delivery. This paper describes the design of a self-stabilizing autonomous bicycle with electric linear actuators. The high-speed linear actuator is mounted between the seat and the handlebar of the autonomous bicycle, which provides the bicycle with high peak power and energy efficiency. Physical tests are carried out to verify automatic steering and speed regulation capabilities of the autonomous bicycle.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.