The Mobile Integrated Solutions Laboratory has designed and fabricated a number of ground-based and aerial robots. The most successful to date is the Digital Systems Teaching and Research (DSTR – pronounced “Disaster”) Robot. This small form factor, articulated suspension mobile platform has participated in applied research, education and outreach for the past two years. Whether supporting freshman education, capstone design, being considered as a sample collection system for lunar or mars exploration, or motivating young men and women to select STEM fields as they move on to their college education, DSTR has integrated the system of systems approach to experiential learning. This nimble four-wheeled robot is powered by Texas Instrument’s embedded intelligence and can be controlled wirelessly using WiFi or Low Power Bluetooth using a cell phone app for any Android or IoS device. In addition, over 50% of DSTR’s parts can be 3D printed. DSTR is perfect for teaching teamwork and leadership responsibility by subdividing the system into power, control, communications and software subsystems. Each subsystem is fabricated by a member of the team then integrated and tested and optimized as a system. Then the competitions start — let the best engineering team win!!!
The DSTR robot is now owned by T-Star. If you would like more information about the DSTR or order one then click on the link below:
For a LaunchPad set up guide, click here: LaunchPad_SetUp
A typical DSTR robot is shown below.