Research Initiatives at the FRC
Lunar Rover Initiative
The Lunar Rover Initiative seeks to land a rover on the moon to explore regions of hydrogen concentration. Working for nearly a decade to develop feasible mission concepts and validate component technologies, we are experienced, skilled, and dedicated to the vision of lunar exploration.
Robotic Desert Racing
The Red Team put two machines on the Grand Challenge starting line and then across the finish line. We are united to catalyze new technology, to inspire the world, and to build leaders of tomorrow.
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Underwater Cave Exploration
The Deep Phreatic Thermal Explorer (DEPTHX) project is developing navigation and autonomy systems to enable the exploration of flooded caves and tunnels. This technology will be applied to the scientific investigation of the depths of the Zacaton Cenote in central Mexico.
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Subterranean Robotics
To improve the accuracy and completeness of underground information, we are developing robotic exploration, mapping and servicing in underground spaces, such as abandoned mines, caves, and sewers.
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Unmanned Security Robots
We are developing autonomous all-terrain vehicles to secure borders and facility perimeters. These systems augment effectiveness of security patrols and expand their presence.
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Aerial Robot Collision Avoidance
Sensor technologies and algorithms for achieving better autonomous flight despite the challenges of power and weight.
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Robot Teams in Dynamic Environments
Economic principles are proving to be effective and powerful means of controlling capable and reliable multirobot systems. We are creating teams of robots that apply these principles to act effectively in dynamic environments.
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Community Development Technologies
The TechBridgeWorld initiative creates and delivers technical solutions to advance developing communities around the world.
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Long-Range Rover Navigation
Long-range perception and path planning are extending the range, efficiency and reliability of planetary rovers. We are maturing technology for upcoming planetary rover missions.
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Distributed SensorWebs
SensorWebs are distributed networks of intercommunicating sensor modules. We are developing wireless technology for distributed sensing and actuation in horticultural environments.
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Dynamic Human-Robot Teams
We are researching the means to organize and adapt teams of humans and robots to cooperatively accomplish tasks.
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Coordinated Assembly Teams
We are developing human-robot interaction technologies to make autonomous workforces both efficient and reliable by applying techniques for variable autonomy.
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Autonomous Life Investigation
We are innovating robotic technology, scientific instruments, and operational procedures to autonomously survey planetary environments for evidence of life.