Supervisor

Professor Trish Williams
Williams, Trish (Professor)
trish.williams@flinders.edu.au
View Flinders profile

Project description

Outline

Technological advances in computing, sensors, and communication networks, coupled with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and machine learning has broaden the scope of robotics beyond the domain of manufacturing. Robots are replacements in situations that are laborious or too dirty and dangerous for humans.  Robots are searching for survivors in tight unstable spaces of collapsed buildings or locating and deactivating landmines. Today robotics are also being applied to knowledge and service activities including healthcare.  The technology of robots may be used to prevent social isolation and depression and to prolong independent living.

Aim of Project

This fun project is intended to introduce you to the basic concepts of robotics with hands-on experience. The project requires you to build a programmable quadruped cat robot (from a kit we provide). You will use a motion controller along with an extensible open source system to program the kitty using C++ or Python and an Arduino or Raspberry Pi. You will explore real-world manoeuvrability and make your robot behave however you want while developing an understanding of robotics. Another aim of the project is to research the use and benefit of robotics in healthcare and determine the issues and impact, both positive and negative, on healthcare and the related outcomes such as:
  • What is the business impact of robots on healthcare services (doctors, clinics, hospitals)?
  • What are the key benefits of robots in healthcare?
  • What are the challenges of robotics in healthcare?

Skills You Will Develop

  • C or Python programming
  • 3D Printing to enhance aspects of robot parts or chassis.
  • Knowledge of Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

Scope of Project and Methods/Equipment

While this project does not require formal research skills, some research will be required in the form of a scoping or systematic review. This review will identify the following:
  • The benefits of robotics in healthcare;
  • The issues and impacts/outcomes associated with robotics in healthcare;
  • The opportunities to improve patient outcomes with the use of robotics;
Production of a working cat robot
  • the physical building of the cat robot (using a kit);
  • programming additional “skills” for the cat robot.

Impact/Relevance

Develop and enhance the student’s knowledge of and skills in robotics and exposure to real world appreciation of technology to healthcare. Expand thinking around the novel uses of robotics and collaboration across disciplines.

Timeline

Honours / 18 Unit Masters / 9 Unit Masters (MIT)

References

https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2020/02/11/new-digital-health-design-lab-at-tonsley/ https://www.flinders.edu.au/flinders-digital-health-research-centre  

Assumed knowledge

Basic research skills required.

Register interest in this project


Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.