Rakshak: A modular unmanned ground vehicle for surveillance and logistics operations

Over the past decade, the utilization of mobile robots in commercial and defense industries has rapidly increased. These robots are purpose-built to perform specific tasks and have proven to be particularly valuable in dangerous environments where human presence may be problematic. However, identifying hazardous areas for workers, soldiers, and emergen- cies during disasters and providing real-time surveillance data remain significant challenges. Conventional approaches, such as manual surveillance and mapping uncharted territories are time-consuming and susceptible to human error. UGVs enable standoff operations, which lowers or eliminates these problems in demanding, and hazardous conditions. This paper discusses the design and development of Rakshak: a modular UGV as a first response mechanism for 360° of real-time surveillance by mapping unknown areas and small- payload-based logistics operations. Teleoperation of the UGV is via radio transmission, a reliable and efficient method of communication. The modular design of the UGV allows for flexibility in adapting to various applications. Data acquisition and transfer to the mobile application are accomplished through Wi-Fi communication.