CLIENT
DARKDUST
YEAR
2023
DISCIPLINES
Vehicle Design
DESIGNED FOR DISCOVERY
PROJECT OVERVIEW
FUNCTIONAL AUTONOMY: ENGINEERING AN EFFICIENT ANIMAL GENOME SAMPLING VEHICLE
Autonomous terrestrial vehicle, conceived for the efficient and non-invasive collection of animal genome samples across diverse geographical environments. The design prioritizes functionality, operational autonomy, and the preservation of the integrity of the collected samples.
Architecture and Functionality: The vehicle is structured around a modular platform, adaptable to various terrain types and environmental conditions. Its electric propulsion system, powered by integrated renewable energy sources, minimizes the ecological footprint and operational noise, crucial for avoiding disturbance to local fauna.
Autonomous navigation relies on an advanced sensor system (LiDAR, multispectral cameras, high-precision GPS) and artificial intelligence algorithms, enabling the planning of optimized routes and the detection of animal presence.
PROJECT DESIGN
AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE FOR ETHICAL GENOME COLLECTION.
The sample collection process is carried out by an articulated robotic arm, equipped with specialized sensors for the non-invasive identification of species and a system for capturing minimal biological samples (e.g., hair, feathers, saliva) without causing stress to the animal. The samples are immediately cataloged using a geolocation system and associated metadata, and stored in containers with controlled temperature and humidity to ensure their genetic viability until subsequent laboratory analysis.
Design and Ergonomics: The vehicle's aesthetics respond to criteria of robustness and functionality. The lines are defined and without unnecessary ornamentation, prioritizing the protection of internal components and aerodynamic efficiency. The remote control interface, intended for supervision and occasional intervention, was designed with a focus on the clarity and accessibility of information, allowing operators to monitor collection progress, vehicle status, and environmental conditions in real time.
Objectives and Benefits: The development of this autonomous vehicle aims to optimize animal genetic research processes, reducing operating costs and the need for direct human intervention in potentially dangerous or difficult-to-access environments. Its ability to collect samples non-invasively minimizes the impact on the animal populations studied, contributing to more ethical and sustainable research. The precision in cataloging and preserving the samples ensures the quality of the genomic data obtained, facilitating studies of biodiversity, conservation, and evolution.
