Title:

Intelligent Mobile Machine Innovation

Speaker:

Dr. Mark Costello

Affiliation:

School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA.

When:

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 11:00:00 AM   Add to Calendar

Where:

MRDC Building, Room 4211

Host:

Dr. Bill Singhose
bill.singhose@me.gatech.edu
404.385.0668

Abstract

Given the availability of highly capable computers, algorithms, sensors and actuators, there exists a terrific opportunity for innovation in the creation of mobile robotic platforms and component technologies to solve pressing practical problems facing society. This talk will focus on two such practical problems and potential solutions recently developed by the Costello Research Group at Georgia Tech. The first problem considered is traversing complex man-made or naturally occurring interior spaces over long periods of time. A new micro rotorcraft was created consisting of a caged coaxial rotor system with an inherent low mass center that is controlled with an internal translating mass. The motivation, development, and performance of this vehicle configuration will be detailed. The second problem involves accurately autonomously landing an air dropped payload under a parafoil canopy to within meters of an intended ground impact point. Several new longitudinal glide slope control mechanisms have been invented including dynamic rigging of the canopy in flight as well as using canopy bleed air to construct a virtual aerodynamic spoiler. Details on these new control mechanisms will be provided along with a discussion of realized performance enhancements. The talk will conclude with a vision for future collaborative research opportunities in this emerging area.

Biography

Mark Costello is the Sikorsky Associate Professor in the School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. His research team has a substantial research program focused on the creation of innovative applied dynamics and control technologies for a variety of mobile platforms. Prior to his appointment at Georgia Tech, he was on the faculty at Oregon State University and the U.S. Military Academy and gained industrial experience working at the Boeing Company, the Georgia Tech Research Institute and Naval Air Test Center.