Journal of Computations & Modelling

KERVEROS I: An Unmanned Ground Vehicle for Remote-Controlled Surveillance

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• Abstract

  Recent technological advances have made possible the development of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), which are able to perform various tasks efficiently, such as patrolling and surveillance, sparing human resources. In fact, a UGV is a perfect candidate for patrolling missions, since it can provide enhanced mobility, endurance and surveillance capabilities, day and night and in adverse weather conditions. In this way, it can be used to ensure the security of various areas such as military facilities. Following these principles, a UGV prototype has been constructed, operating on electrical power and receiving commands via remote control software from a computer, featuring a surveillance IP camera. It is based on a simple tricycle chassis and it is powered by a high capacity automotive battery, which provides adequate power for several hours of use. An electric motor moves the vehicle quietly and efficiently, while the vehicle motion controller is connected to a small on-board laptop, receiving commands via Wi-Fi. The combination of a common 12 Volt battery and the electric motor provides a reliable and relatively low cost solution to the UGV mobility issue, minimizing maintenance requirements. The vehicle is equipped with an IP camera, which transmits real time image and sound via Wi-Fi. Using some IR LEDs, it can also see at night, up to a certain distance. Both the UGV and the camera can be remote-controlled, using a web-based interface. This prototype is proposed as a basis for further development. The construction was deliberately kept as simple as possible, allowing for future upgrades and keeping the development cost low.