This paper presents the design, development, and evolution of the SurveillanceBot, a multitasking robotic platform tailored for advanced surveillance and exploration. From the initial prototype (Mk1) to the latest iteration (Mk3), the system has progressively integrated features such as live video streaming, object detection, GPS tracking, and environmental sensing. By addressing computational bottlenecks through the adoption of FreeRTOS for multitasking, SurveillanceBot Mk3 represents a significant leap forward in the field of remote monitoring. This paper details the evolution, methodology, and outcomes of this project, highlighting its potential applications in real-world scenarios.
With the increasing demand for versatile and autonomous surveillance solutions, robotics has emerged as a key enabler for remote exploration in challenging environments. Surveillance robots are widely used in applications such as disaster management, military reconnaissance, and environmental monitoring. However, achieving multitasking capabilities in resource-constrained robotic systems remains a persistent challenge.
This paper describes the journey of developing the SurveillanceBot, an ESP32-based robotic platform. From its inception as a basic surveillance tool (Mk1) to its current advanced state (Mk3), each iteration focused on improving functionality, stability, and multitasking efficiency. By leveraging FreeRTOS, the latest version demonstrates how a cost-effective platform can deliver comprehensive surveillance solutions.
Autonomous surveillance systems have been widely researched for their potential to replace human intervention in hazardous environments. Studies highlight the importance of real-time video streaming, object detection, and GPS-based navigation for enhancing situational awareness. For instance, Gupta et al. (2021) explored the use of low-cost microcontrollers for surveillance, noting the trade-offs between computational performance and energy efficiency.
Robotic multitasking is a critical factor in enabling complex operations. FreeRTOS has emerged as a popular solution for real-time task management in embedded systems. Work by Zhang et al. (2020) demonstrated the use of FreeRTOS for simultaneous data acquisition and processing, paving the way for its integration into surveillance systems.
Object detection models, such as MobileNet SSD, have been extensively used in resource-constrained devices. Studies by Tang et al. (2022) revealed that optimized object detection algorithms can achieve real-time performance on devices like the ESP32-CAM, aligning closely with the SurveillanceBot Mk3's objectives.
The first iteration of SurveillanceBot focused on implementing a diverse feature set:
Although Mk1 was feature-rich, its performance was hindered by the simultaneous execution of computationally intensive tasks. This led to the need for optimization in subsequent iterations.
To address Mk1's performance issues, Mk2 streamlined its focus:
This iteration demonstrated smoother operations and laid the groundwork for reintroducing multitasking in Mk3.
The latest iteration, Mk3, reintroduced features from Mk1 while overcoming its computational limitations through the adoption of FreeRTOS. Key advancements include:
This iteration represents the culmination of the project's evolution, delivering a robust and versatile platform for surveillance.
Key hardware components include:
Car Control Circuit
Tracker Circuit
The core of Mk3's multitasking capabilities lies in FreeRTOS, which manages:
Two Flask-based dashboards:
Controller Interface
Sat View Interface
The SurveillanceBot Mk3 demonstrates the viability of multitasking robotics in resource-constrained environments. By addressing limitations in earlier iterations, Mk3 achieves a balance between functionality and performance. Future work could explore integrating advanced AI models for more accurate object detection and energy-efficient hardware components to extend battery life.
The evolution of SurveillanceBot from Mk1 to Mk3 underscores the importance of iterative development in robotics. Through innovative use of FreeRTOS and thoughtful hardware-software integration, Mk3 sets a benchmark for low-cost, versatile surveillance systems.
For further details, visit the SurveillanceBot Mk3 Repository.