Robotic Platform for Photography Applications

In order for a wildlife photographer to capture high-quality photos from a safe distance, an expensive, long zoom lens is typically used. Without the use of a high magnification lens, the photographer must approach the wildlife, potentially creating an unsafe situation. Additionally, close proximity to wildlife can compromise an authentic, natural photograph. The goal of this project is to enable photographers to obtain close-up, high-quality photographs of wildlife while maintaining the safety of the photographer and the equipment as well as eliminating the need for expensive high powered lenses. The final prototype is a remote controlled robotic vehicle intended to move a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera closer to an intended subject using a standard 50 mm lens. The robot is designed to navigate dry terrain typical of the Shenandoah area, including dirt, grass, loose gravel, and pavement, and traverse slopes of similar to 15 degrees. An additional camera relays video feedback to a wireless device, allowing the user to drive the vehicle and position the DSLR camera from up to fifty feet away. A custom made elevation system on the robot enables the user to raise the camera to a height of 2.5 feet off of the ground. The robot has a runtime of over two hours and is rechargeable. The ultimate purpose of this robot is to provide close-up photographs at a lower cost than that of high magnification lenses. Viewing wildlife from short distances using a remote-controlled robot will also increase photographer safety and minimize adverse effects of human intrusion into animals' territory.