Toward Upcycled and Sustainable Robotics: Developing an Accessible, Flexible, and Environmentally Friendly Robotics Platform

The development of an environmentally aware and accessible robotic platform that has the flexibility to be used in multiple applications is described. The robot utilizes upcycled components and serves as an economical robotic platform whose sensor loadout can easily be tailored for mission-specific needs. The robot can serve as an intelligent system applied to education, safety, environmental remediation, stewardship, physical rehabilitative services, service, or active sanitation applications. A sample of undergraduate student projects using this platform is discussed. These can lead to increased access to robotics, societal aid, and reduced waste.