Steve R. - Autonomous Vehicle Project

For the June 2014 UUASC meeting, Steve R. returns to discuss his autonomous vehicle project.

This work in process utilizes open source software to build a vehicle that will accomplish the following...

Allow the operator to define a pre-defined area (grid location)

Identify the target (human, group of humans, fire, water, etc...)

Calculate best search pattern for pre-defined grid

Once this information is loaded into software, and uploade to vehicle via usb cable the vehicle departs, goes to the edge of pre-defined location
travels on the predefined pattern and does an active search for target
Once target is acquired, issue custom commands (track and follow, alert operator, drop cell phone, etc...)

The vehicle is designed to always remain on autopilot,
self monitor, and return home if fuel levels drop below certain levels or other issues occur

This package, uses the following hardware and software...

Pixehawk arduino board for the autopilot

Beaglebone Black board for the target actions

Arduino based piloting software

OpenCV, open source computer vision software

Lots of python and shell scripts

There should be ample time for Q&A during the presentation.

About the Speaker:

Steve R. is a Senior Storage and Systems Engineer and has presented on the Liferay CMS at UUASC in 2009.

About the Location:

PARKING: Plentiful parking is available at the Howard Hughes Promenade across the street for a $3. Avoid the parking structure behind 6080 Center Drive - it's crazy expensive.

SECURITY: there is a security desk in the lobby, in case they ask, let them know you're going to Q's office at suite 925.

Special thanks to Carolyn Oswald at Q for hosting this presentation.

About UUASC:

The UUASC (http://uuasc.org (http://uuasc.org/)) is for all persons using UNIX either personally or professionally, or interested in learning more about UNIX. We recognize all varieties of UNIX, including (without prejudice) SCO, Linux, SVr4, Solaris, AIX, HP/UX, and BSD. This is a good place to meet others with similar interests and broaden your skills and knowledge.

We meet on the first Thursday of the month in L.A.

Both UUASC chapters are open to everyone; there is no separate membership, we would like you to join our general mailing list (http://www.uuasc.org/general.html) so that you can join in the conversation between meetings.

Livestream Information:

This will be streamed as a Google Hangout On Air. via the following youtube channel...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9c4iFEkYvP8LhH1udzwA5g

Links to the specific event for youtube for viewing , and the Google hangout will be posted soon.

The livestream should be up by 6:30 PM pacfic on the day of the meetup.