Projects at uah
Wireless sensing and sensor fusion for SMAPP
RESEARCH MENTOR
Dr. Avimanyu Sahoo, Assistant Professor, ECE, University of Alabama in Huntsville
Email: avimanyu.sahoo@uah.edu
Phone: 256-8243581
Research problem and objectives
Our group focuses on research at the convergence of control theory, estimation, filtering, and their integration with artificial intelligence. It has many applications, such as sensor fusion for human vital sign measurements and inspection, robotics, energy storage, and fault diagnostics and prognostics for machinery.
In the REU program, we will focus on sensor fusion for the inspection of hazardous environments and human vital sign measurement. In general, two types of wearable sensing technology are available for human vital sign measurements: 1) sensors that can be directly incorporated into the human body and 2) sensors that can be embedded in clothing to monitor human vital signs, as shown in the figure. One of the advantages of clothing-based sensing is that several sensors can be embedded in the garment to form a sensor network for better accuracy. However, since the embedded sensors are not in direct contact with the human body, they require unique sensing technology, advanced signal processing, and sensor fusion schemes, in addition to the flexibility of the electronic circuit boards. Dr. Sahoo’s research group at UAH is currently developing wearable, flexible electronic sensing technology for human vests with intelligent sensor fusion, estimation, and signal conditioning schemes to accurately monitor vital human signs (core temperature and heart rate), which can be embedded into the SmaPP.
Research Projects and Activities
Project 1. Robotics for hazard sensing
The goal of the project is to develop hazards, such as fire, smoke, and temperature sensing modules that can be implemented onboard a mobile robot and wirelessly transmit the data to a remote computer. The robot can help the first responders in planning rescue missions. The students will be engaged in
Selecting appropriate sensors for measurement
Interfacing sensors with the microcontroller-based development kits
Develop a wireless sensing system to transmit the data to the remote computers
Implement the sensing module on a mobile robot and validate the results
The expected outcome of the research is the development of sensing electronics and their interfacing in robotic platforms that can be deployed in hazardous environments.
Mobile robots for hazard sensing module implementation at Dr. Sahoo's laboratory
Project 2: Development of wireless sensors for monitoring human vital signs
The goal of the project is to monitor human heart rate and body temperature through sensors mounted on a personal protective vest and communicate the data wirelessly to a remote computer. The students will be involved in
Developing custom sensing technology by interfacing temperature and moisture sensors with microcontrollers and associated electronics;
Determining the location of sensors on a human vest for accuracy;
Prototyping the circuit board using in-house circuit board printing and surface mount soldering units and
Implementing sensor fusion, estimation, and signal processing schemes to estimate body core temperature and moisture.
The expected outcome of the research is the development of sensing technology for human body core temperature and humidity measurement, which can be used to monitor the user's health conditions remotely.
Wearable electronic sensors for human vital sign measurement
Student Qualification and Skills
Electrical engineering/computer engineering/computer science/mechanical engineering majors
Python/C++/Matlab programming skills
Experience with printed circuit board design is preferred