SARA: Searching & Acquiring Robotic Appliance

For the 2002 science fair I designed and built a radio controlled robot named SARA. She stood at 4 feet tall, could go a maximum of 8 mph, and had various input/output devices (see below).

Here are a few videos demonstrating her capabilities.

Diffuse a Bomb

Walk a Dog

Be a RoboCop

SARA's Built-In Functions

1.   Go forward, steer, and navigate by remote.

2.   Send back live, wireless video to a receiver.

3.   Remotely activate a head-mounted halogen light.

4.   Turn on a 250-degree heat pad to protect itself (by burning someone) or heating something up such as a drink or cold hands.

5.    Dispense or accept a document, paper, or money through the document feeder.

6.    Track the her every move using onboard GPS. The GPS can also draw out a map of where the robot has gone, how far it has gone, the speed it is traveling at, and the latitude and longitude.

7.   Walk a dog (or other pet) using the built-in retractable leash.

8.   Wirelessly talk through the onboard sound system using a wireless audio system.

9.      Play CDs or the radio through the sound system.

10.    Charge its battery using the solar panel.

11.    Send back audio of its surroundings wirelessly.

12.    Transport materials on top of its hood.

13.  Manipulate and/or acquire objects using its robotic arm.