Design and Implementation of a Dual–Function Autonomous Robot

Abstract

RedBlade is a multi-functional autonomous vehicle with two seasonal configurations which allow it to plough snow in the winter and mow grass in the summer.  This vehicle participated in the Institute of Navigation’s (ION) First Autonomous Snowplough Competition in January 2011 and in the Eighth Annual ION Robotic Lawnmower Competition in June 2011.  It won second place in the former.  This report presents the design and implementation of the RedBlade mechanical systems, sensor components, software architecture, control algorithm, and safety systems.