When we first decided to tackle this challenge, we had difficulty thinking creatively. We were so focused on the practicality and technicality of the methods that it limited our possibilities. After overcoming this obstacle, we have realized the importance of thinking outside the box and embracing the freedom we have with this project. Upon research, we discovered very little existing information on disarming tactics for landmines, especially using drones; this broadened our horizons with endless opportunities. Rarely do you get to experience a class where you get to work with UAVs, let alone come up with a new way to save lives!
In order to progress past this difficulty, each of us presented a method we individually researched in our quest to expand our mental capacities and think creatively. We were pleasantly surprised at our findings — how different, compatible, novel, yet usable each of them were — and came to the conclusion that there may be a way to utilize different aspects of every method and combine them into one.
We have reached out to some representatives, including Dr. Ken Rutherford from the Center of International Stabilization and Recovery and MalaGS, a ground penetrating radar equipment provider. We are also working alongside Mine Sweepers, the Landmine Detection Team. Using our multi-drone system, we will be able to come up with a new tactic to not only detect landmines, but also disarm them. Working with these partners will prove beneficial as we are all working toward the same goal of saving lives.
We are happy to announce that we’ve made significant progress since our initial exposure to the project. We are confident in our abilities, as well as our partners’ input, and plan to meet with faculty who will help us further develop our solution.
By Premal Patel, Urvi Patel, Everett Pitts, Alexa Senio, and Jeffrey Small