RaDRobot a semi-autonomous radiation sensor that is lightweight (under 40 lbs) and has a low cost. It uses IEEE 802.11 standard radios for control and data logging. RaDRobot has a GPS system to determine its position in outdoor applications and utilizes a commercially available WiFi location system for indoor applications. This robotic wireless system can be used in the field or inside the building to locate radiological sources and produce contour maps of radiation.

• RaDRobot Schematic

• RaDRobot based on a small toy car

RaDRobot uses a commercially available platform (for example, a toy truck base). The custom WiFi-based controls were designed to operate the robot. The 2”x2” NaI(Tl) detector with an on-board data acquisition system has been desigend as well.

Radiation Detection Software can detect, identify, and quantify radiation from various radioisotopes such as SNM, medical isotopes, and NORM. It can detect shielded sources.

• RaDRobot Radiation Detection Software screenshot

Each RaDRobot is able to estimate its position using Triangulation Software. Lines are drawn between each RaDRobot position. Perpendicular bisectors from these line are drawn until they intersect.

• RaDRobot Triangulation Scheme

A central server can control a "squadron" of RaDRobots. It also analyzes the data from each RaDRobot. It determines search pattern and produces radiological contour maps.

Thus, any data acquisition system connected via wireless communication link should be able to use this capability. We call this concept of distributed network of wireless sensors “RaDGard”.