Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Brady Roudabush, Sophomore Lauren Gallo, Emelia Thompson, Jacob Woods
Lead Presenter's Name
Brady Roudabush
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Ms. Claudia Ehringer Lucas
Abstract
Phaëthon System is the project name for the Search and Rescue Drone Initiative. This initiative will improve the current search and rescue drone industry by introducing new techniques to get through dense forest canopies and other places where an overhead view is not useful. The Phaëthon System uses a swarm of drones that can penetrate under the tree canopy to map and search with the utmost efficiency and safety for rescuers. A command drone is launched to survey the overall search area, and set up a communications and data link. The next component is then released, which is a swarm of small mapping drones using LiDAR to create a 3D map of the forest floor. Using this map, the next wave of drones, equipped with thermal imaging cameras search for the individual trapped in the forest, utilizing the map and ultrasound sensors for obstacle avoidance. Once discovered, responders can use the 3D map generated with LiDAR to find the safest path for the rescue of the individual. This not only increases the speed of the response but also the safety of the responders as they do not have to enter the forest until necessary and are fully prepared with a map to get them safely in and out.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Commons, Multi-Vehicle Systems and Air Traffic Control Commons, Robotics Commons
Phaëthon System
Phaëthon System is the project name for the Search and Rescue Drone Initiative. This initiative will improve the current search and rescue drone industry by introducing new techniques to get through dense forest canopies and other places where an overhead view is not useful. The Phaëthon System uses a swarm of drones that can penetrate under the tree canopy to map and search with the utmost efficiency and safety for rescuers. A command drone is launched to survey the overall search area, and set up a communications and data link. The next component is then released, which is a swarm of small mapping drones using LiDAR to create a 3D map of the forest floor. Using this map, the next wave of drones, equipped with thermal imaging cameras search for the individual trapped in the forest, utilizing the map and ultrasound sensors for obstacle avoidance. Once discovered, responders can use the 3D map generated with LiDAR to find the safest path for the rescue of the individual. This not only increases the speed of the response but also the safety of the responders as they do not have to enter the forest until necessary and are fully prepared with a map to get them safely in and out.