Photo courtesy Clearpath Robotics.

by Scott Kesselman



The University of Alberta and Copperstone Technologies are working together using a Clearpath Robobitcs’ Husky unmanned ground vehicle outfitted with a variety of sensors for soil sample research.



The research investigates oil sand tailings deposits, or what is left after turbid water with fine particulates dries out. It forms a firm, crusted mud surface with wet mud beneath — poor conditions for manual research.



“Traditional methods for soil collection are completed by human operators. They are labor intensive, expensive, unreliable and not accurate,” says Nicolas Olmedo, research lead. “The capabilities and adaptable nature of Husky have enabled us to make unique modifications to the platform in order to transport all of our instruments and payloads.”



Researchers equipped the Husky with an ice auger to drill into the pond surface, treads to contend with the terrain, and various other sensors and integrated systems including teleoperation through Robot Operating System.