Remotely Controlled Terrestrial Vehicle Integrated Sensory System for Environmental Monitoring

Abstract

In this paper we show the developing and the applications of a remotely controlled terrestrial vehicle (or Unmanned Ground Vehicles—UGV) provided with an integrated sensory system for environmental monitoring. The developed system is aimed to monitor some of the key air pollutants and harmful compounds, usable in contaminated sites at high risk to human health. The system is a 4WD radio-controlled vehicle, with small dimensions and low weight, complemented by a sensory system based on hybrid sensors technology (e.g. optic, electrochemical, gravimetric, etc…). These features allow this system to be easily used when inspection missions are required, before or after any environmental disaster. It is able to measure, in few minutes, the atmospheric particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), CO₂ and CO, H₂S, SO₂, NO₂ in the range between 15 and 5000 ppb. Moreover, it is equipped with a telemetry system for the remote-controlled navigation, including a high-resolution camera, a GPS antenna, an anemometer and proximity sensors. The core of the device is a microprocessor board able to assist the navigation, acquiring values from sensors, transfer/record data and control tens input/outputs up to a distance of 1 km. In this work we report some information regarding the integration, the calibration and the data related to the monitoring of a waste landfill in the closing phase, during the construction of the extractor for generated biogas.