Purpose: "Design and operate an autonomous lawnmower using the art and science of navigation
    to rapidly and accurately mow a field of grass."

Sponsor Needs:

 1. Create an autonomous lawn mower to enter into the competition
2. Make it safe
3. Make it work according to the specifications and incorporate (GPS)
4. Compete in the competition
5. Make aesthetically appealing
6. Win the competition
Protypes:

Trekker Robot
Program Development & Sensor Testing

AUTOMOW 2K5!
Final Product

 

Concept Generation
Concept 1
Concept 2
The initial design, shown as Concept 1, for the robotic platform was to have a small frame with all the navigation equipment on top and have a blade enclosed underneath. A secondary design, Concept 2, would have the equipment enclosed within the housing of the robot and would pull a commercial lawn mower. For the final prototype, designs from each concept were used. The final robot used independent steering, contained all the equipment in an enclosed housing, and a small blade enclosed underneath.