Seekster Bot : Human-Following and Obstacle Avoidance Robot
Seekster bot is ultimately a personal-assistance robot which carries objects for a user. The robot will follow a human user using a Machine learning model for single shot detection through the camera which recognizes the user and knows to follow. A lidar sensor will be used to add robustness to the design and acts as a secondary detection tool other than the camera. With both detection devices, the robot will be able to identify the user and it will be able to detect objects within the robot's path and then adjust its position to be centered on the user. A target user is someone who is capable of moving relatively-heavy or otherwise difficult-to-carry objects short distances from a table/shelf to the robot, but who is not able to do so over longer distances. There is currently only one company making a product remotely similar to the proposed device, which is marketed toward wealthy technology enthusiasts who otherwise have little serious reason to use it. The goal is to recreate this technology for use in a more affordable product targeted toward people who have a serious reason to use it.
Rashid Ormani
Rashid Ormani (he/him) is from Saint Louis, Missouri, and is graduating from Saint Louis University with a BS degree in Computer Engineering and a minor in Computer Science. In his free time, Rashid enjoys working out, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Rashid plans on working at Ameren as an Operation Technology Cybersecurity Engineer.
Abhinav Kumar
Abhinav Kumar is an undergraduate student at Saint Louis University with a major in Computer Engineering. He is from New Delhi, India. His current research focuses on the security and privacy of machine learning models with a focus on designing protocols and frameworks to defend against inference phase attacks and training data leakage. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence.
Jithin Martin
Jithin Martin is an undergraduate student with a major in Computer Engineering. He is from North Aurora, IL and enjoys playing and watching sports. Jithin will be joining Deloitte as a Business Technology Solutions Analyst this summer.
Eric Suter
Eric Suter is studying computer engineering and earned a certificate in geographic information systems. He is from Manchester, Missouri and enjoys bicycling and web development in his free time. Eric has accepted a position with Boeing and is excited to begin working in the summer.
Nina Oforji
Nina Oforji (She/Her/Hers) is studying Biomedical Engineering and will be earning her degree in May. She is originally from Port Harcourt, Nigeria but was raised in Chicago, IL. Nina in her spare time enjoys traveling and photography. This summer she will be taking her love of science and travel and will be doing research in Southeast Asia.