An underground search and rescue robot is among more than 250 innovative future technology projects being showcased in this year’s Ingenuity2020 expo at the University of Adelaide.
The online event, which begins today, is an interactive expo of final-year projects by the University’s architecture, engineering, computer and mathematical sciences students.
Students explore technology advances and solutions for future society.
Ingenuity 2020 features five themes:
- Healthy society
- Future energy and resources
- Securing our future
- Transforming technologies
- Our built and natural environments
The underground search and rescue robot is a hexapod robot that can manoeuvre on multiple terrains and is capable of detecting humans underground.
Inspired by grasshopper legs, it is equipped with multiple sensors including CO2 and humidity sensors for detection purposes.
The robot was developed by final-year mechanical engineering students Shan Lakshmanan, Nehemiah Mudisi, Ishmael Iro and Maro Ijala.
To add stability, it is manufactured using carbon fibre (includes chassis and leg modules).
Showcasing our future technology leaders
“Ingenuity 2020 demonstrates the importance of engineering and technology within our society,” says Professor Katrina Falkner, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences.
“It’s an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they’ve achieved, and for us to show industry, future students and the general public the next generation of talented young people who will be our technology leaders.
“Visitors can engage with our students and hear about studying architecture and STEM at the University of Adelaide.
“Although COVID-19 has necessitated an online event this year, it’s actually opened up opportunities for our students to present their work to an even wider audience – both regionally and internationally.”
Visitors to Ingenuity 2020 will be able to explore over 250 projects; attend presentations; vote for their “perfect pitch”; undertake a coding challenge; follow the Ingenuity Discovery Trail; or hear about career opportunities and Women in STEM.
Alongside Ingenuity, about 1400 high school students are undertaking a variety of virtual but hands-on activities using kits delivered to the schools.
Ingenuity2020 also includes:
- A conceptual design of a lunar habitat (Built and Natural Environment) that aims to protect from the harsh lunar environment while addressing the logistical limitations associated with transporting the structure to the lunar surface.
- An automated wine barrel topping station (Healthy Society) that offers wine makers potential productivity, safety and quality gains. Barrel topping is currently a manual process carried out on elevated platforms to replace the wine lost to evaporation during its maturation period in oak barrels.
To learn more visit: www.ecms.adelaide.edu.au/ingenuity
