SOS (Snake On a Stick)
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Snake Robot Design
 SOS General Description:

    The Snake On a Stick is an urban search-and-rescue tool intended for use when the rescue site is stable enough to be approached on foot. The system comprises one 3-DOF Medusa joint and a CCD camera at one end of a six-foot pole, and a control unit and display at the other. The rescuer inserts the SOS into an opening in the rubble and controls the joint's rotation and bend angle using a knob and slider. The third degree of freedom is used to automatically rotate the camera so that the image on the display remains upright, eliminating ambiguity as to which way is up. The Medusa joint's unparalleled range of motion allows the rescuer to see 98% of the snake's surroundings.

    If the building isn't stable enough to enter on foot, rescue workers may choose to use the mobile base instead of the SOS.

  • Howie Choset: Advisor
  • Anthony Kolb: SOS electronics design & programming
  • Jason Geist: SOS mechanical design
  • Elie Shammas: Medusa design & engineering
  • Ben Brown: Medusa design consultant
  • Randy Casciola: Medusa electronics
  • Mike Schwerin: Medusa programming
  • Mechanical Engineering Shop: Manufacturing
  • Electrical Engineering Shop: Manufacturing
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For questions or comments about this site contact here. Last modified September 16, 2004.