An Integrated Multi-Agent System Out of the Box

The Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS) Lab is a multi-purpose research and development workshop for autonomous unmanned aerial and ground vehicles (UAVs/UGVs). The UVS Lab gives researchers the tools to begin designing and implementing controllers and algorithms on a fully integrated multi-agent system that is now available as a turn-key solution. The UVS Lab consists of the following components:

1. QuaRC - Real-time control and multi-agent mission development frameworks
2. Ground control station
3. Qball-X4 unmanned aerial vehicle(s)
4. Embedded computer systems and inertial measurement units (IMUs)
5. Qbot unmanned ground vehicle(s)
6. Localization system with cameras

This turn-key solution is also compatible with DraganFlyer X4 and DraganFlyer X6 UAVs.

The UVS Lab gives researchers more flexibility to do research in a safe and controlled environment. Research applications include:

• Vehicle dynamics modeling and control
• Motion planning
• Obstacle avoidance
• Sensor fusion
• Fleet maintenance
• Multi-agent navigation and formation control
• Autonomous or supervisory vehicle control

Quadrotor for Indoor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Research

The Quanser Qball-X4 is an innovative rotary wing vehicle platform suitable for a wide variety of UAV and UGV research applications. The Qball-X4 is a quadrotor helicopter design with four motors and speed controllers fitted with 10-inch propellers. The entire mechanism is enclosed within a protective carbon fiber cage (patent pending). The Qball-X4 is also an ideal tool for teaching basic vehicle navigation and control, or it can be used in more advanced multi-agent missions involving other Qball-X4 UAVs and Qbot UGVs.

The Qball-X4 system for unmanned vehicle research consists of several components:

1. QuaRC software real-time control and multi-agent mission development frameworks
2. Ground control station
3. Qball-X4 unmanned aerial vehicle(s)
4. Embedded computer systems and inertial measurement units (IMUs)
5. Localization system with cameras
6. Optional: Qbot unmanned ground vehicle(s)

This turn-key solution is also compatible with DraganFlyer X4 and DraganFlyer X6 UAVs. F

 

Autonomous Robot for Teaching and Research

Autonomous Robot for Teaching and Research

Based on the iRobot Create vehicle, the Qbot is designed for engineering teaching or research. Qbot is an autonomous ground vehicle and an ideal platform for research in an the indoor lab environment. It can be used in more advanced multi-agent missions involving other Qbots and Qball-X4 UAVs. It is also a valuable tool for teaching both basic or advanced vehicle navigation and control.

The Qbot contains additional DAC hardware developed by Quanser specifically for this vehicle platform as well as the Gumstix Verdex embedded QuaRC target.

The Qbot system for teaching consists of the following components:

1. QuaRC rapid prototyping software
2. Comprehensive curriculum
3. Qbot unmanned ground vehicle(s)

The Qbot system for unmanned vehicle research consists of several other components:

1. QuaRC software real-time control and multi-agent mission development frameworks
2. Ground control station
3. Qbot unmanned ground vehicle(s)
4. Localization system with cameras
5. Optional: Qball-X4 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

For system specifications, download the info package on Unmanned Vehicles for Indoor Labs.
 

• Motion planning
• Mapping and localization
• Navigation
• Obstacle avoidance
• High level control architecture of mobile robots