From ARVP
[edit] Purpose
The Autonomous Robotic Vehicle Project (ARVP) exists to develop, apply, and promote robotic technology. With a focus on design, controls, and intelligent navigation, the ARVP challenges problems such as those presented by the annual international Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition (AUVC) to ultimately develop systems and vehicles for real-world applications. Through these efforts, the students involved with the ARVP have opportunities to gain practical skills not normally taught in a classroom thus allowing them to better prepare for their professional careers. Beyond these technical roles, ARVP members are encouraged to participate in the team's Outreach program that is committed to encourage learning in the community about robotics and technology in general.
[edit] The Team
Since 1997, the ARVP team has focused on interdisciplinary work with students from the Faculties of Engineering, Science, Education, Arts, and the School of Business at the University of Alberta. About 45 students actively volunteer their time and talents with the project through design, construction, community outreach, administration, fund raising, and other activities essential to the project's continued success.
[edit] Real-World Applications
The project has also ventured into product development with an oilfield soil sampling device that earned recognition at both the Western Engineering Competition and Conference (WECC) and the Canadian Engineering Competition (CEC) in 2002. Also in the past year, one of the ARVP's previous platforms (Polar Bear) was converted to a remote vehicle and is now used in live fire range munitions training for the British military.
