Fall 1998

Rose-Hulman Aerial Robotics Team has top U.S. finish in international competition

Rose-Hulman’s Aerial Robotics Team finished third — and the top ranked U.S. team — at the 1998 International Aerial Robotics Competition Qualifier, conducted last week (Aug. 12-15) in Richland, Wash. Twelve colleges competed in the event.

Rose-Hulman received 393 points in judging of the team’s robotic helicopter and control system; a static display featuring the 5-foot-long, 35-pound helicopter, and a technical report.

The team’s ranking improved upon last year’s fifth place finish and was higher than veteran teams from the University of California-Berkeley (fifth), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (sixth) and Georgia Institute of Technology (ninth).

Rose-Hulman’s helicopter demonstrated the ability to transmit its position and video of a simulated disaster scene to a ground station, but was unable to achieve autonomous flight this year. It must accomplish this task next year to qualify for the 2000 international competition.

“The team took another important step forward and learned many lessons for next year,” said Faculty Adviser Wayne Padgett, who accompanied four students to the competition.

“It was valuable for the team to see the (simulated disaster scene) field and props that will likely be used next year. We are well-prepared to accomplish the mission next year.”