The Qubit Bot robotics team had the honor of meeting Prof. Raktim Bhattacharya, an esteemed Aerospace Engineering professor at Texas A&M University and the Director of the Graduate Studies Program in Aerospace Engineering. Prof. Bhattacharya’s deep insights into robotics and space exploration were not only inspirational but also provided valuable perspectives that could be applied directly to the team's FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics endeavors. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways from the outreach event and how these learnings will guide the Qubit Bot team through the upcoming FTC season.
Introduction to Robotics in Aerospace Engineering
Prof. Bhattacharya began by sharing his personal journey into aerospace engineering, driven by his high school interests in physics, mathematics, and programming, and a childhood fascination with science fiction like Star Trek and Star Wars. His deep-rooted passion for space exploration eventually led him to a career focused on the possibilities of robotics in aerospace. This resonated with the Qubit Bot team, whose own enthusiasm for robotics and innovation mirrored his path of curiosity and discovery.
During the meeting, Prof. Bhattacharya discussed the critical role that robotics plays in space exploration. From satellite servicing and debris removal to in-space assemblies, robots are rapidly becoming indispensable to humanity’s exploration of cislunar space—the area between Earth and the Moon. These insights encouraged the Qubit Bot team to think about the ways robotics could contribute to this burgeoning field and sparked a discussion about the future of robotic missions in space.
Key Insights from the Meeting
The Complexity of Robotics in Zero Gravity
One of the most intriguing topics of discussion was the challenge of developing robots for zero-gravity environments. On Earth, robots rely on gravity to stabilize their movements, but in space, even the smallest motion can cause unintended consequences, such as drifting or spinning. This creates unique engineering challenges, and solutions such as equipping space robots with thrusters for stability were highlighted. These challenges urged the team to think critically about how they would design a robot to operate in such extreme conditions, echoing the problem-solving and innovative spirit essential to the FTC competition.
AI’s Role in Aerospace Robotics
The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in robotics was another fascinating point raised during the event. While AI is becoming more prevalent in perception systems and cameras, it is not yet widely used in the control of space robotics, due to its current limitations in precision and reliability. However, the Qubit Bot team saw connections between their use of AI in guiding their FTC robot during the Autonomous and Teleop phases of competitions, highlighting the growing importance of AI in robotics, even though it still has room to grow in high-stakes environments like aerospace.
Innovation and Testing
Prof. Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of innovation and rigorous testing in robotics development, sharing the unique practice of testing space robots underwater to simulate zero-gravity conditions. This struck a chord with the Qubit Bot team, as they work on their control bot for the upcoming season. The team will apply this lesson by experimenting with creative testing environments and rigorous debugging processes to ensure their robot can tackle the challenges of the FTC competition.
Application of Learnings to the FTC Season
The outreach session with Prof. Bhattacharya provided the Qubit Bot team with a fresh perspective on innovation, problem-solving, and the real-world applications of robotics in space. As the team prepares for the upcoming FTC season, they plan to:
Incorporate AI Smartly
Inspired by Prof. Bhattacharya’s discussion on the role of AI in perception systems, the Qubit Bot team will continue refining their use of AI in guiding their robot during the autonomous period of the competition. They recognize the importance of developing reliable algorithms, especially when precision and accuracy are critical in a competition setting.
Focus on Rigorous Testing:
The innovative idea of testing robots underwater to simulate space conditions highlighted the importance of creative approaches to testing. The team plans to focus on simulating real-world challenges their robot might face in competition, thoroughly testing their designs and identifying weaknesses early on.
Encourage Interdisciplinary Learning
Much like aerospace engineering, FTC robotics requires a diverse range of skills from mechanical engineering and computer science to mathematics and physics. The Qubit Bot team will foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach within the team to tackle the multifaceted challenges of designing a competitive robot.
Conclusion
The Qubit Bot team's interaction with Prof. Bhattacharya was an enriching experience, providing valuable insights into the world of aerospace robotics and space exploration. His knowledge not only broadened their understanding of robotics in extreme conditions but also provided actionable strategies for the upcoming FTC season. As the team looks ahead, they are excited to integrate these lessons into their robot design, testing processes, and strategic use of AI, aiming to push the boundaries of their robotics skills and make their mark in the next phase of their FTC journey.
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