Scientists from Perm Polytechnic are developing a robotic system for cleaning forests and other natural areas from garbage, which are heavily polluted by humans. Instead of volunteers and ecologists, they propose to involve mobile groups of several robots of different types in the cleaning, which will be able to independently make decisions about movements.
Instead of creating a universal device, it is more effective if each of the robots performs part of the overall task in order to distribute the load between all machines. Therefore, we proposed the following model: compact robots are engaged in searching, determining the location of garbage and building a map of the area. Others, larger ones, collect waste according to the formed map. This will avoid wasting energy on unnecessary movements, as well as reduce possible damage when heavy robots move around the territory.
A prototype of a reconnaissance robot on tracked wheels the size of a large radio-controlled car has already been built. Inside there are built-in engines, a monitoring system with a camera to record what is happening on the route, a radio module for controlling and transmitting data between other robots, and a gyro-accelerometer responsible for changing the direction and speed of movement.
Also, the most productive algorithm is already ready, according to which a team of mobile robots will work in the areas entrusted to them. During the study on a special simulator, it turned out that the "spiral" algorithm would be optimal: it takes almost half the time to complete the task and significantly reduces the number of steps taken to survey the space.
PNRPU hopes that their project will make a great contribution to the fight against environmental pollution in forests, steppes and other large areas. Scientists are confident that robotization will ensure the rapid and high-quality collection of household waste.
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