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An unmanned remote sensing and sampling system has been developed to aid first responders in urban disaster assessment and recovery. The system design is based on a 90 kg autonomous helicopter platform with interchangeable payloads ranging from radiation detection to tethered robot deployment. A typical response would begin with three-dimensional terrain mapping using the stereovision system and a survey of radiation levels with an onboard spectrometer. From this initial survey, a more targeted flight is planned at a lower altitude with the option to localize radioactive sources in the event that radiation is present. Finally, a robot can be tether-deployed into the area of interest to collect samples. It is teleoperated from the ground control station, and after collection is finished the robot is retracted back to the helicopter for retrieval. The terrain mapping, radiation detection, radiation localization, and robot deployment and retrieval have all been flight-tested. Results of these tests indicate that the systems functioned successfully in the context of a prototype demonstrator.

Recent advances in computer technologies have resulted in a significant paradigm shift within American industry in the engineering design process. Unfortunately, engineering education has not evolved similarly to take advantage of these new design and analysis tools within the curriculum. Thus, there is currently a significant disconnect between what universities provide for mechanical engineering education and what industry needs from the matriculated students they hire. This article examines some of the issues surrounding the use of computers in the design/analysis/manufacturing process in industry and outlines some of the problems and opportunities for universities in developing these technologies within the curriculum. Finally, a model for curriculum integration is developed and presented. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 7: 252–260, 1999