Search

Abstract: The paper deals with the design and realization of a hexapod rover prototype completely manufactured by students and researchers of the Space Robotics Group of the II Faculty of Engineering of the University of Bologna “ALMA MATER”. The rover project has been developed for didactical purposes, with the aim of involving students in practical, hands-on education, pushing them to face real problems and to put in practice what they have learnt in theory during regular courses. The work done is described in the paper, highlighting its potential to test different solutions in autonomous navigation systems: low-cost sensors, innovative algorithms and different step procedures. Moreover, the mechanical and electronic solutions adopted for leg design, main controller, and remote control are discussed and depicted in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Medicina Radioastronomical Station is located nearby Bologna, in Italy. It consists of two receiving antennas currently dedicated to the astronomical research at radio frequencies. The 32m diameter parabolic dish performs observations from 1.4 to 22GHz whereas the Northern Cross (a 30.000m2 wide T-shaped array transit antenna) works at 408MHz. So far SETI observations have been performed using a SERENDIP IV high resolution spectrometer connected to the parabolic antenna. Data acquisition were performed meanwhile the antenna was employed in ordinary astronomical observations (piggy-back mode). An innovative method to search for possible extraterrestrial signals could be provided by using the UHF Northern Cross transit telescope. In this paper observational modalities and the required technological set-up are investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]