tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83074896012953067712024-02-20T09:09:51.398-05:00Systems Engineering at the US Naval AcademyA blog about one of the most popular majors at USNA.Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-38166787159244618112011-01-17T11:00:00.000-05:002011-01-17T11:00:05.003-05:00Visit to Northrop Grumman Oceanic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3uEYKL-qBjTqRu9hW1ffFMurOaYyHw7gcJ25_Lqp3vZCJS9QtbBZBDKEotryv5Sqorg9WAYy13fx3QyRnzRAEPq2MG3r7ZCL7NlBT6rGo5mA6_dKQ_ergTo0q_AXyl5jYpQBFbv-rsir/s1600/15900-7772.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527251140750691538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3uEYKL-qBjTqRu9hW1ffFMurOaYyHw7gcJ25_Lqp3vZCJS9QtbBZBDKEotryv5Sqorg9WAYy13fx3QyRnzRAEPq2MG3r7ZCL7NlBT6rGo5mA6_dKQ_ergTo0q_AXyl5jYpQBFbv-rsir/s400/15900-7772.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC3Y6sXGZilWsqKJsxExslO9Rz4tV7vs5RO_owYKbtuPAhOmY6kDUpIKG0bavpDqKS5XHJMc5E3JpXf11ez3kxDy43UFXiZlDVEntFX7skMvwu4BT5EJyYK39JEUd9dPtF2BhsJRLsTn7/s1600/15900-7802.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527250525578053586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnC3Y6sXGZilWsqKJsxExslO9Rz4tV7vs5RO_owYKbtuPAhOmY6kDUpIKG0bavpDqKS5XHJMc5E3JpXf11ez3kxDy43UFXiZlDVEntFX7skMvwu4BT5EJyYK39JEUd9dPtF2BhsJRLsTn7/s400/15900-7802.jpg" border="0" /></a>Every year ES456 Autonomous Vehicles visits Northrop Grumman Oceanic, which sits right at the base of Annapolis side of the Chesapeake Bay. The facility makes a variety of unmanned underwater vehicles including the Advanced Seal Delivery system.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Here Systems Engineering students get a state for how system-level design decisions are made in industry, the hear from experts in many disciplines, and tour the extensive test facilities. In addition to learning about the theory behind unmanned vehicles, one of the goals of ES456 is to give students an appreciation for the state of the unmanned system's industry. Thanks to Northrop Grumman for graciously hosting us every year!</p>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-75837878981945007942011-01-11T11:00:00.000-05:002011-01-11T11:00:09.977-05:00Robo-Sub<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1f497d;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Each summer, USNA sends a team to compete in the AUVSI RoboSub (robotic submarine) competition in San Diego California. The team consists of firsties who do this as their capstone design project, and underclass who do it because it’s cool. The international field of competitors consists of high schoolers, undergrads, and graduate students from 20-30 schools in countries including the U.S., Canada, Japan, Korea, India, and Iceland. The competition consists of static judging, as well as in-water performance versus a variety of underwater objectives such as navigation, picking stuff up, dropping on or shooting at targets, and precision surfacing; all of which must be done completely autonomously (no human involvement).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1f497d;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This year USNA finished 2<sup>nd</sup> out of 21 schools, and collected a $5000 cash prize, on the strengths of their navigational skills, ability to dive and drive, and careful preparations. You can find more information about our 2011 campaign at robosub.org and at navyauv.esmartdesign.com , or by contacting CAPT Nicholson. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOwFXDsY4I8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOwFXDsY4I8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-6010341507864436172010-12-13T16:38:00.000-05:002010-12-13T16:38:00.395-05:00Capstone Projects: Quad Rotor<div><br />Autonomous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Quadrotor</span> Helicopter<br />by 1/C <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fouquette</span>, Griffith, Miller </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We were inspired by videos like this (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">UPenn</span>), to make our own <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">quadrotor</span>. </div><br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MvRTALJp8DM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MvRTALJp8DM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525035633198081410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy8z7EUB5f7gN-KwUC5OqFzqXYfSYXgI3UxLyQh7JAahjdg-ZpAD1lB-peBV19fzywjkAuLAqaYfrpHL1KtK-NVHJU1UzykzfQ9V8Bo0bbhirRBlB6NOLXx5ql83g4BEIkJHL5mPivUat/s400/QuadRotor.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Here is the version we built for our capstone project. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">quadrotor</span> helicopter utilizes differential thrust to hover. For its control, the system utilizes an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">IMU</span>, altitude sensor, and a combo of range sensors and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CMUcam</span> (for translational motion).</div>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-27524124202925511112010-12-06T11:00:00.000-05:002010-12-06T11:00:10.085-05:00Ground Vehicle CompetionThe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mids</span> returned for a second year to the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition, help in June in Rochester Michigan.<br /><br />ENS Mitchell represented the other <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">teammates</span> (Hudson, Albrecht, and Bush).<br /><br />Here is the fully autonomous vehicle on a practice run, staying in the white painted lanes while avoiding obstacles.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dE-aUIR5H4w?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dE-aUIR5H4w?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />In the end we placed 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> or 52 teams, traveling 208 feet before driving off the course. Go Navy! Next year, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mids</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mehalic</span>, Burrow, Parrot, Lowe and Albrecht are looking to return and take one of the top 5 spots.<br /><br /><br /><br />More info at <a href="http://www.igvc.org/">http://www.igvc.org/</a>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-86384400881027870962010-11-30T11:00:00.001-05:002010-11-30T11:00:08.910-05:00Autonomous Surface Vessle Competition<p>Here is System's Engineering's first entry into AUVSI's (a professional society for unmanned systems) second annual autonomous surface ship cometition in Norfolk VA.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDSm5e4j72TdNtLu9LbydnXSQVsjqT18YQg_xL5umG7e45Rqv7wGfMvBqBTaEWT3Vbqsx5K1HrvIsjB8MqBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p></p>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-67616722360786251252010-11-22T10:00:00.000-05:002010-11-22T10:00:08.161-05:00Capstone Projects: Disruptive technologies<strong>Commercial Technologies with Disruptive Applications by 1/C Brad Cash</strong> (Class of 2010)<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4ccPXVREDcU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4ccPXVREDcU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />The overall purpose of this project is to explore what type of capabilities a domestic terrorist could achieve using commercial technologies that could prove harmful to the U.S. by supporting asymmetric disruption. For this particular project, we explored how to control a cheap off-the-shelf RC vehicle from considerable distances by using the wireless Verizon 3G network. The vehicle is equipped with a small Artigo Pico ITX kit computer on board and connected to the 3G<br />network via a wireless modem. The user controls the vehicle via a webpage.Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-61518599336939286432010-11-16T11:00:00.001-05:002010-11-16T11:00:06.100-05:00King of the MountainOne of the first challenges in ES451 Mobile Robot Design is to build a robot that can climb a <strong><em>steep</em></strong> slope. While it might just seem like we're playing with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">legos</span>, teams must consider the same issues they might consider in any vehicle design: tire material, gearing, location of center of gravity and frame geometry.<br /><br /><br />To put in perspective just how steep the hills were, driving up a 45 degree incline only gets you a B! Here is an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unsuccessful</span> effort:<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SthjLpLwCNg?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SthjLpLwCNg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />But <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">with</span> a little more work, the winning teams made it up a 55 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">degree</span> incline!<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0BM_9YqGZh0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0BM_9YqGZh0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Note: The robot's are not able to sense if they are sitting straight on the hill, so "nudges" are allowed, as long as they don't help you up the hill. One of the groups is working on a slef steering version as part of their midterm project.Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-80310473134990863712010-11-09T11:00:00.001-05:002010-11-10T08:41:58.657-05:00Capstone Project: ConvoyPeople have long been interested in the idea of an automated convoy. Iraqi convoy operations are known to be dangerous; but even in the United States the idea of automating trucking is appealing.<br /><br /><br /><br />In a convoy, the leader can be a manned or autonomous vehicle. The remaining vehicles are autonomous. Their job is to simply follow the vehicle in front of them.<br /><br /><br /><br />One risk is that if the leader suddenly accelerates or brakes, there is a danger the followers will not be able to maintain their relative position. This disturbance or oscillation propagates down the "string" of vehicles, giving rise to the term "string stability".<br /><br /><br /><br />Prof. Robertson, Feemster and ENS Henderson investigate how this problem can be alleviated using something called command shaping -- instead of flooring the accelerator or brake the leader smooths his transitions to ameliorate this issue. Here it is in practice (note the robots are covered with cardboard "hats" and reflective tags that enable our motion capture system to record the positions of the vehicles in real time).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ovreg8u4-bs?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ovreg8u4-bs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-52044499053079841272010-11-02T11:00:00.000-04:002010-11-02T11:00:07.651-04:00Save the Bay!<div>The United States Naval Academy (USNA) uses a REMUS autonomous underwater vehicle as a sensor platform for research on water quality in local waters. </div><br /><br /><div>Originally developed at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and marketed by Hydroid Inc. of Pocasset Massachusetts, USNA’s vehicles were originally purchased for mine warfare and operated by Naval Special Clearance Team ONE in such operations as clearing of the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr of mines during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525033769532594018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKmuouMvrzy3va7JgNSvIQXmYjPhkl1I_6I8VlNTfjsNJ-v-P8MX-bCyHFz-MmtzRfU_z9D9T8Xv2cFcb34XRC5OjKGS0GxfAwhcfrGxwC_DG-KB1aSZ29iluto97bLZzcxOHe_YlSfQo/s400/TUC_017510078401.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>This REMUS enables researchers and students to map suitable habitats for oyster restoration, crab distribution and submerged aquatic vegetation. Dissolved oxygen is one of the most important water quality parameters because it is the dominant proxy for extreme eutrofication; excess nutrient loading of coastal waters. The Severn River has been identified by the State of Maryland as an impaired waterway for multiple water quality parameters. Round Bay has consistently developed a summer-long anoxic zone (dissolved oxygen concentration less than 0.2 mg/l) for the last four years. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The Photo is from the 25 August 2010 Chesapeake Bay conference, held at USNA. In the photo is a REMUS with an oxygen sensor installed. From left to right: me, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Secretary of the Navy Ray Maybus, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Superintendent VADM Miller (in the back), Andrew Muller (USNA Oceanography department).</div>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-61815761909947313192010-10-26T10:30:00.000-04:002010-10-26T10:30:01.569-04:00Robo-RoachesStudents in Mobile Robot Design (Es451) had to build small mobile robots, that behave like roaches, using their <a href="http://mindstorms.lego.com/Products/Default.aspx">Lego <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mindstorm</span> Kits</a>. The robots were supposed to wander around the room randomly looking for "food" (Small Plastic Ball with Infrared LEDs inside). If the find food they should stop and "eat". Just like real roaches they should run away if a bright light shines on them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHL39faLKlHY4fxjB_AiSVyPSCbkjJvA7CwgvPVkSlSutbYa3gjYxYoPLje6CVqL0H5KTDkvIGN04hozTW' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />Finally, they need to be able to avoid obstacles. That can be pretty tricky when the room is filled with people, chairs, and other robots. Remember, the robots can't "see" and they don't have map of the room. They can only sense obstacles a few inches in front of them. One good way to do that is to use a bump sensor. Building a nice bump sensor can be quite a mechanical design challenge. The robots are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">programmed</span> in C using something called a behavior based <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">architecture</span> -- the same framework used in the <a href="http://www.irobot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Roomba</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">vacum</span> cleaner</a>.<br /><br /><br />I leave you with a video taken by a camera strapped to the top of one of the robots. From the robot's prespective turns out the world is an ugly place filled with black shoes, tan uniformed legs and rolling chairs.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>(After about 1 minute in there is some cool picture in picture editing thanks to Midn Ihlan!)<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-npn0g41-bcqWb1Ax-fJAT-IE5U0EBug0x-Bid2nMiXQgZ9nY2pulGOKf7LldAzfnBs6bF90od4akJ8EnnQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-42826916358129388172010-10-19T11:00:00.000-04:002010-10-19T11:00:06.086-04:00Kinetic Display?The challenge was simple, students in Es201, a new first course in systems engineering, were given a bag of motors, micro controllers, and small plastic toys and told to do something "interesting and aesthetically pleasing".<br /><br />During the semester, students with no prior programming or electronics experience learned how to program micro computers to move a motor, light an LED, read a sensor, etc. It was amazing to see the things they came up with.<br /><br />You just never know what you will get. Here is "Flame Bot" which uses a small torch to melt little plastic army guys (?)<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyCowJcQgwEQlS75p6Uqj-cTgb1V_cA-R0PVvwlTj_bA_-Tjjr7GAgGvYYef6ur3PuxjiQ7YbmXSRKLgn1Npw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>The all time crowd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pleaser</span>? A tribute to the King of Pop.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz91t9gA2L_JVXgrsSXbBIJDwU1fUtrT4DjYNTekeuUC0dsBMsYm35D6r8Ie1p6JGGLoJfUMnkxVWwS3ipZpA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-50429766920941335392010-10-06T15:09:00.004-04:002010-10-12T13:29:21.274-04:00Terrain Challenge<strong>A rite of passage in Es451 Mobile robot design is the terrain challenge.<br /></strong><br />The difficulty of designing vehicles to drive over unforgiving terrain is that there are many types of terrain to consider: steep slopes, bumpy roads, gaps or chasms, sticky surfaces, etc<br /><br />Worse yet, improving a vehicle's performance in one area, can often hurt is performance in another. For example, shifting the center of gravity forward can help you on the uphill but hurt your chances of making it back down unscathed.<br /><br />Students in ES451 Mobile Robot Design, as given a Lego Mindstorms kit and asked to build vehicle that can traverse the entire course: (1) a 90 degree turn on super sticky mouse pads; (2) up the bolt studded hill; (3) across the 4" chasm; (5) down the Nastiest Descent You Have Ever Seen; (6) and out the legume pit. On average only 3 of 10 teams can complete the entire challenge.<br /><br />Here is one of the year's teams. They used a total of 12 wheels (and treads) to make an "active undercarriage" that prevents the vehicle from getting high centered on obstacles, a extra long body to cross the chasm and outriggers to improve stability on the downhill. (It still needs some help on the down hill! )<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ieLtRuqk9GU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ieLtRuqk9GU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-90812953963508352382010-03-05T11:00:00.001-05:002010-10-15T09:04:37.403-04:00Sail Bot Sweep<p>Congratulations are in order. The Sailbot team did it again. <strong>The USNA team took 1st AND 2nd place in the North American Sailbot competition</strong>, which involved designing and building a fully autonomous sailboat. The Team consisted of Systems Engineers (advised by Prof. Bishop) and Naval Architects (advised by Prof. Miller)</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy6gY4Etv2owpvWMo3m4CY9kxf9cgLUcPYmOktYU7OQN4n63r9mWO5-CslrBxuXeyK9Lrut4UH87UHT-dQQ6g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>For more information visit this <a href="http://www.usna.edu/Users/naome/phmiller/SailBot/SailBot.htm">link.</a><br />The Mids went on to represent USA at the European competition in Portugal where they fought a variety of technical and logistical challenges but still managed to enter a solid middle of the pack performance.</p>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-76627868038144257482010-03-01T11:00:00.002-05:002010-03-01T11:00:05.404-05:00Swarms, and Flocks and Formations...Oh My!Both science and science fiction have dreamed up the concept of robot swarms (aka flocks) -- massive groups of robots that perform complex cooperative tasks like ants or bees. Scary things, like this scene out of the Amazon:<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNvQDJd_5w8&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNvQDJd_5w8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.usna.edu/Users/weapsys/esposito/">Prof. Esposito</a> is working on getting robots to do the same things. In this video the robots are supposed to gather round the object in preparation to push it. The robots have three simultaneous objectives (1) force the distance between the box and themselves to zero; (2) do not collide with other robots; (3) contact the box at the location that maximized their moment arm (their ability to exert torques on the object). A navigation function is created that incorporates all of these objectives in a provably correct fashion. This results in paths where the robots bow away from each other and try to contact the box on the far facets of at the corners of the box.<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dyj_UNp3Ay0&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Dyj_UNp3Ay0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />In this video, the robots cooperate to push the box across the room. They use a remarkably simple control law that requires no explicit communication between the robots.<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iOI_n8feQAo&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iOI_n8feQAo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />We use the <a href="http://www.usna.edu/Users/weapsys/esposito/roomba.matlab/">Matlab Tolbox for the iRobot Create (MTIC) </a>to control the robots from a base station, and the <a href="http://www.vicon.com/">Vicon Motion Capture</a> system as an indoor GPS.Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-42758152455965257602010-02-16T11:00:00.007-05:002010-02-16T11:00:03.573-05:00Systems Engineer Participates in SAE Formula 1 Car DesignMay engineering schools participate in the Society of Automotive Engineer's annual student automotive design competition and race. This is typically the domain of Mechanical Engineering departments.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>But what many people don't realize is that these days, your average car is stocked with more microcomputers that your average Best Buy.</em> Today's cars use hundreds of feedback control systems, the heart of the systems engineering cirriculum. Everything from cruise control, to anti-lock breaks, an electronic stability control is regulated automatically using sophisticated sensors, and microchips.<br /><br /><br /><object class="BLOG_video_class" id="BLOG_video-FAILED" height="266" width="320" contentid="FAILED"></object><br /><br /><strong>Systems Engineer Midn Castenda's</strong> original Design Project was to design and implement an automatic, pneumatic shifter into the USNA Formula 1 car. The concept was to have a faster better shifter for the car that was always optimized to the engine and to relieve the driver from another chore that could be automated, and thereby let the driver concentrate on driving. The design worked well on up shifts, with Castenda getting inside the engine’s (Honda 600cc motorcycle engine) ECU and programming it to interrupt fuel for a few microseconds to relieve stress on the gear train to enable smooth up shifts.<br /><br /><br />For more on how instrumented car have become see for example <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/28/automobiles/autoreviews/28AUTO.html">NYT: 2007 Mercedes-Benz: Leave the Driving to the Microchips</a> ...OK the article starts negatively, but just keep reading onto page 2Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-61686008841304654552010-02-09T11:00:00.002-05:002010-02-09T11:00:03.204-05:00Autonomous Resupply Vehicle<p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzw94CQ87jcMqWYS9xIzJM9ReODEFgB0Sx6846v4f_c_5ZFaZ4BdqrQPmmjqb-B8NU2W69ZpZMCbLpuqck' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Mids Carlton, Jewett and Scarborough (Advised by Prof. Feemster)</p>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-12069033787751211352010-02-02T11:00:00.002-05:002010-02-02T11:00:06.170-05:00Systems Ball 2009<div></div><br /><p>Before there was <em>Battle-Bots</em>, there was <em>System's Ball</em>, this year marked the 19th annual System's Ball robotic combat event. </p><br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNwgvd8Jf6xaIPpGyynjKRppWJGmHrReSkPgI2HWyYbqAXXqV3CdxFLsHfycvEyesLDceTlo-xi2xLJNmEQQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p>And it was particularly special. For one of its founders, now retired Prof. Knowles, it was his last Systems Ball (at least in any official capacity). After a particularly eventful round of combat he gave his a humorous last lecture on the engineering principles behind some long secret weapons technology. Farewell Knowles!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsu57YPRbRrxL05SMaeqc8lOA8R7WEGEMWWULYZWscaOn054GFQ7wdMPg5Gxo-lWDlAzF3hJChQD59tjRongXSfisSpwS7lNC3Z2tU9ZPdGXl1jFFwKmcQJ8hzxBQmJozRNcYGifg2Hmr/s1600-h/KnowlesStall2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395974938556768226" style="WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsu57YPRbRrxL05SMaeqc8lOA8R7WEGEMWWULYZWscaOn054GFQ7wdMPg5Gxo-lWDlAzF3hJChQD59tjRongXSfisSpwS7lNC3Z2tU9ZPdGXl1jFFwKmcQJ8hzxBQmJozRNcYGifg2Hmr/s400/KnowlesStall2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p></p><br /><p><strong>Be sure to check out the 2010 Event, which takes place on the last day of class, in Rickover 103. </strong></p>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-39205460222819116672010-01-26T11:00:00.001-05:002010-01-26T11:00:05.429-05:00And the winner is...the T-shirt Canon!The <strong>2009 Marsh Award for the Best Capstone Design Project</strong> went to Mids Argonne, Sipel, Combs and McAdams and for the <strong>T-Shirt Cannon</strong> (advised by Prof. Bishop). It is a heavy duty remotely operated vehicle which uses compressed air to launch T-Shirts hundreds of feet. The idea was to make something that could be used at football games to get the crowd excited about football <em>and </em>engineering. The construction on this one is top notch.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyeleJHMnhsvyFafOjx4aqQc2lMvO-IT97Kp4wbmUztiiSaQduKItIprLNwwzT6Bk4f64klZZ-NSYCXzaIzxQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-55185358147731860582010-01-19T11:00:00.000-05:002010-01-19T11:00:06.921-05:00The World's Smallest Soccer Match<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6-dnctQdFov_H2M74gpGs4fOizRatKpI0zgm29Lhv9uypyewnQd13QKTmN1vPtjKIO0_pktQZikpjghQhZRhoqL79sURAEXOe1Kv-LKMpWKwA6RlH0jRDVKWVH9cpsfm04ecdcz-1BGH/s1600-h/usna3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395610770925762322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6-dnctQdFov_H2M74gpGs4fOizRatKpI0zgm29Lhv9uypyewnQd13QKTmN1vPtjKIO0_pktQZikpjghQhZRhoqL79sURAEXOe1Kv-LKMpWKwA6RlH0jRDVKWVH9cpsfm04ecdcz-1BGH/s320/usna3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>For the second year in a row, USNA participated in the <a href="http://www.robocup2009.org/267-0-demonstrations.html">Robot Cup Nanogram Soccer </a>competition. A soccer match in which the robotic players are so small the entire match has to be see througha microscope. <strong>USNA Placed Second</strong> and was featured in <a href="http://www.popsci.com/scitech/gallery/2009-07/gallery-nanosoccer">Popular Science online</a>.</p><br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dysw5jzqcQOq0vdhAhErfa2ecUwy5NhuiBRDNz3wUNwVzJyQozSq6NQuEBxWeqYjF4CMSTTTsY2axbwrgvAYQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p>Mids from Electrical Engineering (advised by Prof. Firebaugh) and Systems Engineering (advised by <a href="http://www.usna.edu/Users/weapsys/piepmeie/">Prof. Peipmeier</a>) collaborated on the design and control of these scrtach-drive style robots.</p>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-18530148520067332092010-01-13T11:00:00.000-05:002010-01-13T11:00:05.047-05:00"That there is one souped-up John Boat!"As part of their <em>Swarm Manipulation Project</em>, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, Prof. Feemster and Esposito are exploring technologies that could lead to the development of teams of autonomous tuboats. Mids Eric Regneier (USNA 2008), and Erik Smith (USNA 2007) helped outfit this standard 10 ft JohnBoat with a suite of navigation equipment. Here we are testing on College Creek.<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e8QmNK0z6lE&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e8QmNK0z6lE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-72086885984194955322010-01-08T11:00:00.001-05:002010-01-08T11:00:07.721-05:00ES451 Midterm ProjectsFor the Mobile Robot Design course, midshipman are allowed to define their own challenge and invent a project description. Here is a funny one from the archives... (Thanks Midn Dobichesky, USNA 2008)<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyYPdDYporMz3EvouTnilRWwFDChLWzhlumt1dIVVFT5vRx02KSPmwGwl0PAMNU0itS2ij8P82o_IT1tf_oZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-54695770430476671432009-12-10T10:27:00.001-05:002009-12-10T10:40:09.304-05:00Intro to Robotics Projects - Part 1At the end of ES450 Intro to Robotics, students are tasked with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">coming</span> up with a task to automate that integrates computer vision and a robot manipulator.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><p>Here the camera sees and object and determined its color, then the robot used the computer keyboard to send a text message, with the object's color, to a mobile phone using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Matlab</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ruttum</span> & Baker) </p><p><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JP9NpfEfzrU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JP9NpfEfzrU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /></p></blockquote><blockquote>Here the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Scorbot</span> plays <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TicTacToe</span> Against a human. It uses the camera to detect the state of the board, computes the best move, and moves the blocks (it is hard to write with a pen using the robot). It is always able to at least draw against a human player. (Valdez) </blockquote><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oLxjX26Hyvk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oLxjX26Hyvk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>A GUI to control the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">scorbot</span>. Robot scolds you if you click outside workspace. (Hatch & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Landholt</span>)</blockquote><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4LVUBPwYhuU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4LVUBPwYhuU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-71867552443731095482009-12-09T11:00:00.003-05:002009-12-10T10:26:35.476-05:00Goin' BallisticNovember marked another semester's ES300 ballistics lab, but this semester there was a twist. Instead of the typical lecture and demo period in the Bancroft Hall Rifle Range, ES300 students got to fire a potato gun. For those not familiar, a potato gun is made from readily available PVC pipe, and is fired using any number of household aerosols, including hairspray and deodorant to propel the common Idaho spud to distances exceeding 200 yards. Gun construction is very simple and involves a hacksaw and PVC cement. The real trick is getting the correct fuel-air mixture, and igniting it with sufficient spark to get good combustion. This year's lab succeeded on all counts, launching potatoes from 1st class parking, all the way across Hospital Point into the Severn.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dycyRrN1xbp_nR8FzF4Qulp80vmu_l6cYeSzQ7vTHGNzUxtonHyfXjV2AXhjKdCw8TC9_eaVV_Xfa5A4cpRcw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>After the potato gun lab, students were brought down to the range and given a demo on interior, exterior and terminal ballistics. The indoor range cannot handle the energy from a rifle round, so only handguns were tested, including .22, 9mm, .40 and .45 pistols. Impact media included ballistics gel (just like in Mythbusters), Kevlar armor, and some proprietary molded armor from a company called MACRO Industries. The intent was to show how combat ammunition performs on various targets and in different scenarios. Students gained an appreciation for the marksmanship skills necessary to effectively dissuade the enemy from pursuing a negative course of action.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzs_aTde3P9JaWb9-vSBOgAGJd7hF7XwsXA6J6gGBeHPwb8b17uFFcZ2zQLgC_tmLCHrAqXTf5WcSZYrG6JFw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-61902969593473671452009-12-01T13:01:00.000-05:002009-12-01T13:01:00.425-05:003rd Annual Worm Chariot RaceFor the third consecutive year, students in <strong>Es451</strong> make <strong>robotic worms</strong> using the <strong>Bioloid Robotics Kit</strong>. Engineering issues considered include gait design, stability, traction, sensing and responding to obstacles. The Chariots contain the batteries and small computers which store the programs. <br /><br />The first test is the <strong>10 foot dash</strong>. It is graded based on how straight the robot moves (<6" deviation from straight line over a 10 ft course) . <br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNILWaBVvJ9y_8QKizWKCgLS_qvu1tIY8VGBOtLOYvAaeINx5mkMgUnhuGnx9VcB7O7luitrTpTMOSocu2CA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><p>Turning is one of biggest challenges. I have to say this is the ugliest robot snake turn I have seen but it is remarkably close to 90 degrees (the goal). And reliable too! The turn is triggered by the presence of an obstacle as measures by an IR range sensor.</p><p> </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjac175GvlqZm-wSmFueEr4KfHvuMWjFaQ_3ItCMTS6CSMtAZ2ubBQZ1tuO4O9hJjLTHEaQFPI1F0y7WHJuw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p> </p><p>And they are off! (they really shouldn't be touching the robots once the race starts but it didn't effect the outcome)</p><p> </p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_Zw-TWBFxN56sDAvH-JgtQmMk7S3fkAklv7V2oOT9-Vyku1Rwz7i3GZMUOwxvKR4HGSXX6cDIlkjk0A_wJQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p><strong>Congratulations:</strong></p><p><strong>Winners (1st period): Midn 1/C Hatch, Meyer, Myers </strong></p><p><strong>Winners (3rd period): Midn 1/C Felps, Honan, Beates</strong></p><p> </p>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8307489601295306771.post-18755763508298198532009-11-22T10:01:00.001-05:002009-11-22T10:01:00.616-05:00Essay Contest Winner!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqgtrkW5qXl-wUtfBXfs-dmJeYAH0OGdX5dMqj0vs0dYzGzDZiXRIVg82dLlvn6jtPOiLjXa-ZmhQIRZUUp7Si6LUywGUBoxTIR3QorM0vnVCNnufnhRCvgln8p1yuKkzxz4aw9y0sho/s1600-h/Umpa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395795788233722258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqgtrkW5qXl-wUtfBXfs-dmJeYAH0OGdX5dMqj0vs0dYzGzDZiXRIVg82dLlvn6jtPOiLjXa-ZmhQIRZUUp7Si6LUywGUBoxTIR3QorM0vnVCNnufnhRCvgln8p1yuKkzxz4aw9y0sho/s400/Umpa.jpg" border="0" /></a>Congratulations to <strong>ENS Daniel Umpa (USNA, Systems, '09)!</strong><br /><br /><div>He was announced as the <strong>winner of the "Commander William Earl Fannin, Class of 1945, Capstone Essay Contest".</strong> His essay, "The Pilotless Squadron" which discusses the obstacles for adoption of unmanned systems (AUVs in particular) in the US military, appeared in the September issue of the Proceedings of the US Naval Institute.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Note: You have to be a Proceedings Subscriber to see the full article (sorry!)</div><a href="http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/archive/month.asp?ID=277">http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/archive/month.asp?ID=277</a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tJelizrd0pDj0ZVUhbdSHyjqJvz36cWcbTT64D_2ChCJpPc95dYtFJ_b6CCAA4x7skfEWkcKdy2Ftj2rLop9iltkh1qgiMBb2NMoVJijeN_5fqBQ6VWmsLiUPUg5CJi26xKyA0zg9Iza/s1600-h/CoverStory.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395796231253936274" style="WIDTH: 357px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 411px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tJelizrd0pDj0ZVUhbdSHyjqJvz36cWcbTT64D_2ChCJpPc95dYtFJ_b6CCAA4x7skfEWkcKdy2Ftj2rLop9iltkh1qgiMBb2NMoVJijeN_5fqBQ6VWmsLiUPUg5CJi26xKyA0zg9Iza/s400/CoverStory.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Systems Engineeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08087438896827455474noreply@blogger.com