Project Erebus

Prototype robotic design, attempting to show proof of concept for mass production of cheap, affordable robots, inspired by the rover and Recon drone design styles.

Comment

Inspiration

Our inspiration for the project came from a member's experience in combat recon drones, which are useful, but bulky and impractical for extended recon missions. Our goal was to create a portable, durable, cost-effective robot that could be created from readily available prototyping parts and deployed in under 30 minutes from a forward operating position.

What it does

The robot is a small, maneuverable, tripod design, made for ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness. It is made of commonly available prototyping parts. The robot is highly customizable, with a nearly endless array of configurations, making it well-suited to the diverse missions prevalent in today's war environment. A future design implementation will be the addition of a camera for real time, low-latency, feedback.

How we built it

We used a Raspberry Pi 4 B to maximize cost-effectiveness and provide an easy-to-use system for soldiers and search-and-rescue teams. We utilized DC motors as our drive train and powered the entire robot with a common power bank and a 9-volt battery. The chassis and wheels were entirely sourced by 3d printing and household items.

Challenges we ran into

Some difficulties we ran into were compatibility challenges with the back-end implementation. Wi-Fi connectivity proved troublesome but was eventually overcome with innovation and design tweaks.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Our greatest accomplishment in the 24 hours we spent working was the final prototype. Being able to create a functional proof of concept in under 24 hours is no small feat, only possible thanks to the members of Team BlackWall coming together to work as a highly effective, problem-solving engine.

What we learned

Our greatest lesson learned was the value of well-spent research and pre-planning. Many of the challenges we overcame could have been avoided with extensive pre-analysis

What's next for Project Erebus

Our next step in our design will be what has been coined by one member as "Project Heaven's Darkness," which will be the implementation of automated systems and a video camera to provide instant live footage that can be used for enhanced reconnaissance.

Share this project:

Updates