Super compact mobile robot development: navigation and human operating interface ROS-android application

Abstract

This project proposes the design of a 10kg class compact waterproof mobile robot for field use in the construction environment. The main aim of the application would be inspection, supervision, and surveillance of the activities happening in the construction field to look out for possible dangers. This project loads Robotics Operating System (ROS) in Jetson Nano, an industrial PC, which publishes topics to control the robot’s movement and its 2 IP cameras that allow live streaming. This construction Surveillance Robot can roam about at the construction site to monitor site activities. The construction surveillant robot is made compact to ensure low cost and hence be able to replicate for mass deployment in various Singapore construction sites. This robot is designed with the capability to stream the activities happening while patrolling the construction sites. An ROS-android app is also developed using the android studio to ensure users can control the robot’s movement easily and the Livestream display from the two cameras, rear and front, through the user interface of the mobile app. Despite the growing popularity of the use of domestic robots, multifunctional robots in different environments such as the waiter robot that help to serve food, and the robot that serves to inspect at the construction site are either not widely available yet or not affordable enough for construction companies. Therefore, the main concept behind the project's purpose is to develop an affordable waterproof construction surveillance robot that can patrol across the site which is outdoors.