Background

The Georgia Tech Systems Research lab developed miniature autonomous robotic blimps (GT-MAB) as flying vehicles for indoor experiments that support research on mobile sensor networks, 3D motion control and human-robot interaction (HRI). The GT-MAB is naturally cushioned and offers fun experiences that often encourages physical contact with humans. GT-MAB’s human-friendly physical form is contrasted with drones which typically have a hard exterior and sometimes large, exposed propeller blades.

Inspiration

The motivation for developing this capability is to prove that such a platform could be used for complex tasks in autonomy that could eventually lead to applications such as surveillance of large indoor spaces or assisting with evacuation procedures.

Goal

The goal of this project is to augment GT-MAB’s existing hardware and software to establish a platform capable of helping a person navigate to a specified location within an indoor environment such as a cafeteria or meeting room. The blimp provides a significant advantage over other aerial robots in uses where the environment is indoors and populated with people. Due to the GT-MAB’s physical design, the robot is able to travel through these environments with minimal risk of harming a human.

Demo

Bloopers